An item reported that members of the British parliament protested against the large number of admirals serving within the navy. The Labour representative Arthur Bottomed (1) could hardly understand why such a large number was necessary when another nine flag officers were appointed. When the Second World War broke out there were twenty officers of this rank less as now and during the Korean War eight less. Also he pointed out that the number of admirals who retired was not large enough. His fellow party and parliament member Marcus Lipton (2) even said that there were enough admirals to sink a battleship if all went at the same time on board. So the Admiralty should increase her expenses as part of the battle against inflation.
Notes
1. Arthur George Bollomley who came on 1984 Baron Bottomed (7 February 1907-3 November 1995) was for instance in 1966-1967 Minister of Overseas Development.
2. Marcus Lipton, CBE, (29 October 1900-22 February 1978), studied law, lieutenant-colonel and in the parliament famous for not being afraid to ask difficult and or sensitive questions. 
