§ CAPTAIN PRICE (Devonport)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, If he can impart to the House any information as to the operations of the Naval Force at present supposed to be threatening our shores?
THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)I have received a telegram on the subject; but it is one so alarming in its nature that I must explain its meaning in a few sentences. After the Review was over on Saturday week the Fleet were despatched to different parts of the coast, and on Monday morning the Force was divided into defending and attacking squadrons. Of the first result of the operations the following telegram from Falmouth was received yesterday:—
Noon, Tuesday. Falmouth taken, forts destroyed, 19 large merchant ships captured. Coal, stores, and numerous small craft burnt.
§ CAPTAIN PRICEAfter the serious information imparted to the House, I wish to ask my noble Friend if he and his Colleagues intend to consider their position?