HC Deb 17 March 1891 vol 351 cc1237-8

Return ordered— Of the Vessels in the Channel and Home Waters (exclusive of the Channel Squadron) available at very short notice, on the 1st day of April, 1891, under the several heads and conditions set forth in the Statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty, dated 4th day of March, 1890, namely:—

  1. '(1.) Four Ironclads in commission as Flagships at Home ports fully commissioned having all their stores on board ready at a few hours' notice:
  2. '(2.) Nine Armour-clads, in Commission, connected with Coastguard, ready for sea in 48 hours;
  3. '(3.) Vessels in First-class Steam Reserve in Home ports, comprising, as from the 1st day of July, 1890, six Ironclads, two Belted Cruisers, and 16 Cruisers, besides Coast Defence Vessels and Gun and Torpedo Boats, these Vessels to be ready in five days or less;

stating the names of each of such Vessels, its displacement tonnage, thickness of armour, armament, and speed, and showing whether they were all at the above date provided with guns, and with stores, ammunition, and crews at hand, so as to be in all respects fit to go to sea within the prescribed periods."

"And of the same particulars in respect of the Channel Squadron at the same date."—s (Sir William Harcourt.)