§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Why H.M.S. Belleisle is not left permanently at her station at Kingstown; if it is a fact that she has been away from there nearly the whole summer, and is now under orders for the North of Ireland; and, if so, for what reasons; and, if the Admiralty will allow her to remain in Kingstown under the circumstances, or, if not, send another ship to take her place?
§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (A LORD of the ADMIRALTY) (Marylebone, E.)(who replied) said: The absence of Her Majesty's ship Belleisle from Kingstown has been caused by the requirements of the Naval Service, as she, with other first reserve ships, had to take part in the necessary annual cruise and exercises of the Fleet. Her absence was also caused by the necessity for undergoing the annual re-fit. Kingstown is the headquarters of the first reserve ships; but the district extends over the whole East Coast of Ireland, from Moville on the North to Crookhaven on the South. The Admiralty do not consider it desirable to keep any first reserve ship permanently at her moorings, or to replace her by another ship during the period her services are required elsewhere. It is usual for the first reserve ships in question to visit Carrickfergus and Lough Foyle, both places being within her district. The Belleisle will leave Kingstown about the 18th instant, and remain at Carrickfergus till about the 3rd of October, then proceed to Moville, where she will remain until the 27th of October. She will then return to her headquarters at Kingstown.