§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he can inform the House the number of first and second class torpedo boats attached to ships in the Mediterranean and Channel Squadrons (independent of the Hecla torpedo depôt ship), and also the number of first and second class torpedo boats now in the Home Ports available for service?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. HIBBERT) (Oldham)I would appeal to my hon. Friend not to press for the information asked for in this Question. Without any undue desire to maintain absolute secrecy in these matters, I cannot think there would be any practical advantage in publishing the exact number of torpedo boats attached to the Mediterranean and Channel Squadrons, and as to those available for service at the home ports. My hon. Friend must be aware that the number will, for some time, be a fluctuating one, owing to the additions which are now being rapidly made to this branch of the Service.