§ MR. GOURLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, The nature of the summer sea-going manœuvres, in which the officers and men of the Channel and Reserve Squadrons have been exercised; if they have been exercised in the working of submarine, harbour, and seagoing torpedoes, and in the landing of men, guns, and stores, and other duties incident to a state of war; and, if the officers have been practically educated in procuring a knowledge of coast navigation on both shores of the English Channel, North Sea, and Baltic?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI have not, Sir, been able to refer to the Commanders-in-Chief of these Fleets in order to ascertain the particulars which the hon. Member asks for; but the Channel Squadron has done good duty in the Mediterranean during the last three months, and its services are well known through the medium of the Press. Both the Commanders-in-Chief of the Mediterranean and also of the Particular Service Squadrons are officers of distinguished merit, who thoroughly well know how to exercise their men and their ships in all the evolutions incident to warfare; and I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Admiralty—and I think this House also—have perfect confidence in these officers.
§ MR. GOURLEYsaid, that in consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, he should call attention to the matter early next Session.