HC Deb 01 August 1893 vol 15 cc992-3
COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if the atten- tion of the Board has been directed to the recent declaration of Captain Lord Charles Beresford, before the London Chamber of Commerce, to the effect that the French have 211 torpedo boats built and building, all of which could in a very short time be ready for service in the Channel and the Mediterranean, and the British but 83 in the same state; that the 11 torpedo stations established by the French on the coast of the English Channel would, in the event of war with that Power, greatly endanger, and possibly effectually stop, the utilisation of the passage by the Mercantile Marine bringing food to the Metropolitan and the neighbouring counties; that the coaling arrangements for the Mercantile Marine at Gibraltar are so defective that they would be useless in time of war, and even now are being abandoned by British ships in favour of Algiers; that, unless steps are taken to extend the Mole at Gibraltar, the harbour is useless as a fleet anchorage, as a repairing place for disabled ships, or as a base of operations; that there is no signal code or means of communication suitable for modern requirements between vessels of the Royal Navy and the British Mercantile Marine, for whose protection the former is maintained; and, if these statements are correct, what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take to diminish the national danger laid bare by the gallant officer?

* THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH,) Lancashire, Clitheroe

The points mentioned in the question have obtained the consideration which is due to them before Lord Charles Beresford's statement was made. Some of these points I cannot discuss, especially in a brief answer to a question, with any advantage to the interests of the country. But it would be a mistake to suppose that action has not been decided on or taken.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

And is nothing being done at Gibraltar?

* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

Certainly. If my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the Estimates he will find that provision is made for the commencement of the work on the Mole.