HC Deb 18 July 1872 vol 212 c1361
MR. BOURKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether there is any objection to give the inhabitants of the East Coast of England an opportunity of seeing the Channel Squadron this summer?

MR. GOSCHEN

, in reply, said, the Admiralty were always glad that as many parts of Her Majesty's dominions as possible should see Her Majesty's ships. The first consideration in determining the cruising ground for the Channel Squadron was the efficiency of the ships, the best means of drilling them, and generally such a cruise as would best promote the efficiency and discipline of the crews. The wishes of the inhabitants expressed by means of their Representatives in Parliament were only a secondary consideration. He could give no hope to his hon. Friend that the Squadron would visit the East coast of England this summer.