Q&A ยท 1:26:30-1:29:46

A Third Sea Lord responsible for delivery

It would give a politically powerful officer identifiable authority and responsibility for delivery.

Question

Would restoring the Third Sea Lord's former powers ease modern Royal Navy procurement?

Short answer

It would give a politically powerful officer identifiable authority and responsibility for delivery.

Notes

A clearly identifiable officer would hold both authority and responsibility for procurement delivery. That would reduce opportunities to shift responsibility between posts. The office would retain substantial political power within the armed forces. It could also constrain government intervention in procurement. Similar offices might then appeal to the Army and Air Force.