§ 35. Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, for each year since 1945, the ratio of officers of flag rank to Royal Navy warships.
§ Mr. WigginI regret that it is not possible without disproportionate effort to provide figures for each year since 1945. At representative intervals, the ratios of officers of flag rank to major surface vessels and submarines, are as follows:
Flag Officers Ships 1945 1 5.06 1950 1 3.77 1960 1 2.91 1970 1 1.70 1973 1 1.67 1978 1 1.80 1980 1 1.46 1981 1 1.35 In the modern Navy there is no direct relationship between the number of admirals and ships. The former is primarily governed by the needs of the shore organisation, including headquarters, and international commitments. As part of the follow on work to Cmnd. 8288, detailed manpower requirements are being reviewed for all rank levels and specialisations.