Captain Berkeleybegged to call the attention of the hon. Secretary to the Admiralty to a resolution of which he had given notice with respect to the efficient manning of the navy. He wished to know whether it were the intention of the present Board of Admiralty to issue orders, that in future none of her Majesty's ships of war should be sent to sea without a fixed and full complement of men?
§ Mr. Sidney Herbertsaid, the subject was at present under the consideration of 737 the Board of Admiralty. The principle of having a full and efficient complement of men on board vessels of war, was one of which he entirely approved; at the same time the hon. and gallant Member must see, that, consistently with the public service, it was impossible for him to pledge himself to the extent to which that principle would be applied.