CAPTAIN COLOMB&c.) (Tower Hamlets, Bow,asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, What is the Admiralty's estimate of the approximate total value of British property at our ports and off our coasts liable to attack by a sea-going force operating in our own waters during the period assigned for the naval manœuvres now taking place?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GSORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)I am asked what is my
Estimate of the approximate total value of British property at our ports and off our coasts liable to attack by a sun-going force operating in our own watersduring a certain period. It is self-evident that no such estimate can be made, for the one factor that governs it is the naval strength and geographical position of the enemy with whom we might happen to be at war; and unless that can, with exactitude, be stated, all other conclusions would be misleading and worthless.
§ CAPTAIN COLOMBIs the Naval intelligence Department not aware of the property exposed to gun fire from ships, and the amount of commerce accumulating in different ports and in our own waters in any 14 days of the year?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONthe Naval Intelligence Department could obtain it; but they would have to obtain, it second hand from Lloyd's.
§ CAPTAIN COLOMBThen they have not got it.