SIR JOHN COLOMB&c.) (Tower Hamlets, Bow,asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether he is aware that the four charts furnished by the Admiralty to the Library, for the use of Members during the experimental Naval Manœuvres, are inconveniently small; that upon none of them are the limits within which the operations are to be confined shown; nor are the signal stations which are in telegraphic communication with the Admiralty in any way distinguished; whether he is aware that there is hanging up at Lloyd's a large clear chart upon which the limits of these operations are indicated, and that alongside this chart are exhibited, by reference, a copy of the official programme, the names of the vessels comprising each Division of the Fleet, and all telegrams as they arrive relating to the movements of the Squadrons and ships, while by means of distinguishing pins representing vessels the position of the Squadrons as last reported can be seen at a glance; and, whether, under these circumstances, he will reconsider his decision, and cause such arrangements to be made as will afford Members of this House equal advantages to those provided at Lloyd's for following these important and instructive experimental naval operations?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The charts furnished to elucidate the Naval Manœuvres are those in actual use by the officers conducting the manœuvres, and would, therefore, seem the most suitable for hon. Members to follow. Any charts which are published by the Admiralty, and which the hon. and gallant Member wishes to see, can 551 doubtless be shown to him on his signifying his wish to the Librarian of the House. As the scope of the operations extends over the whole of the coasts of the United Kingdom it is difficult to define any limits. I have not seen the chart at Lloyd's referred to; but I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that, although Lloyd's may record from hour to hour the movements of the ships from the sources at their disposal, this is not done from authoritative sources; and even if it were possible to do so, I do not consider such movements would be of value to hon. Members when the conditions are so constantly changing. I have no objection to having a Paper drawn up showing the composition of the different Squadrons, which may be attached to the charts.