§ COMMANDER BETHELL (York, E.R., Holderness)asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Why Her Majesty's fleets or squadrons of armoured vessels are never exercised at ordinary tactical evolutions at full speed or at very high speed; and, if the Officers commanding Her Majesty's fleets and squadrons have power so to exercise the vessels under their command should they think fit?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. HIBBERT) (Oldham), in reply, said, that the squadrons were exercised at such high speed as would be deemed advisable in time of action. The officers had full power to exercise their discretion in such matters.
§ COMMANDER BETHELLasked why, if it was expected that full speed would not be required in time of action, so much money was spent upon machinery for attaining it?
§ MR. HIBBERTsaid, that if a Commanding Officer thought that full speed was necessary in time of action he would be enabled to use it.