§ MR. FRANCIS EVANS (Southampton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is true that the mobilization of the Volunteers, for the purpose of testing the value of the defences of Portsmouth and the Solent, which had been fixed for Whitsuntide, is. postponed; and, if so, until what date; and whether, in view of the great disappointment which this proposed postponement has occasioned to many working men who have been working overtime especially to secure leave, he will state whether it is true that the Admiralty have definitely refused to co-operate with the Volunteers on this occasion, and so caused the postponement of the mobilization?
§ MR. E. STANHOPECertain contemplated experimental drills at Whitsuntide in the southern district have been abandoned for the present in consequence of the Navy being unable to furnish as much co-operation as was required. I am afraid that no period for these drills can now be fixed.