§ CAPTAIN COLOMB (Tower Hamlets, Bow, &c.)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, What number of battle ships, cruisers, gunboats, and torpedo boats were in reserve at our ports during the Naval Manœuvres; and how many of each description of vessel could be made available for service at sea at one month's notice?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The Naval Manœuvres practically absorbed all our available battle ships and cruisers in the First Reserve, though there were three gunboats and between 50 and 60 torpedo boats in reserve. Between this date and the end of the financial year there will be ready for commission or in the First Reserve four battle ships, one unarmoured cruiser, five belted cruisers, two protected cruisers, eight unprotected cruisers, one sloop, three torpedo gunboats, and two gunboats. None of these vessels took part in the Review or subsequent operations.