HC Deb 19 July 1889 vol 338 cc856-7
MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether during the forthcoming Autumnal Manœuvres any organised system of responsibility has been arrived at between the Admiralty and the War Office as to which branch of the Service is to be held responsible for the defence of the coasts, channels, and harbours of the United Kingdom during the continuance of the Naval Game of War; and, if so, will he be good enough to state the nature of the arrangements; and, whether the system of organization and responsibility is to be similar to that now in vogue for the defence of the North Sea and Baltic Coast of the German Empire?

* THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

The responsibility of the Admiralty and War Office respectively for the defence of the country is clear and distinct. It is the duty of the Admiralty to protect the shores and commerce of the United Kingdom, and to use the naval forces at their disposal in the way best calculated in their opinion to effect this object. The War Office are responsible for land defences and their adjuncts. The conditions of war in the case of this country and that of a Continental Power are so different that no parallel can be drawn between the systems adopted for their relative defence.

MR. GOURLEY

May I ask what arrangements are being made for the coaling of the squadrons during the Autumn Manœuvres; whether experiments are to be made in coaling a portion of the fleet at sea, such as would appertain if engaged in hostilities; and, whether he is aware that last Autumn the Benbow was detained 48 hours coaling in a protected harbour, and that she broke several of her torpedo booms whilst receiving her coal, besides damaging the steam collier?

* LORD G. HAMILTON

The arrangements for coaling the squadron during the manœuvres are the same as last year—that is, by means of steam colliers which have been engaged for the purpose. The Admirals in command of the squadrons have entire control of their own coaling arrangements, and will coal at sea or in harbour as circumstances require. It is not the case that the Benbow was detained for 48 hours coaling in a protected harbour. Whilst getting in her coal at Milford Haven she broke two of her torpedo booms, and the fide of the coal vessel was damaged. This is now guarded against by the supply of larger fenders than formerly,