§ MR. GOURLEYasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, To be good enough to inform the House how many Ocean Armour-clad Cruisers are at present in commission, stating number, calibre, and description of guns, also coal endurance and speed of each ship; further, how many (if any) of this type are now being built, when they are likely to be finished, stating how they are likely to be armed, coal endurance and ocean-going (not measured mile smooth water) speed; also to state how many seagoing torpedo craft are in commission, how many are building, and whether any are sufficiently large and powerful for ocean fighting; and, further, to state if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to appoint a Royal Commission or Select Committee to inquire into the condition of the Navy?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThe statement on the Navy, which, according to the undertaking given by the Prime Minister, will shortly be made on behalf of the Government, must embrace a more or less detailed reference to the numerous points raised in the Question of my hon. Friend; and I would ask him not to press for Returns in anticipation of the information which it will be the duty of the Admiralty to give to Parliament in a more convenient form.
§ MR. GOURLEYWhat about the latter part of the Question?
§ [No reply.]