MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Eegis)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Journal of the Royal United Service Institution of the 15th of April, 1894, published under the authority of the Council, which includes five Admirals, two Naval Captains, and a member of the Naval Intelligence Department, to the effect that of English cruisers four, the Tourmaline, Ruby, Emerald, and Garnet, ought to be struck off the effective list; and whether these vessels are of such age and in such condition as would warrant this statement; if so, whether the Admiralty propose to withdraw them from active service?
*SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWOETHThe attention of the Admiralty has not been called otherwise than by the hon. Gentleman's question to the statement quoted by the hon. Member. The vessels named are on the effective list. It cannot be stated when they will be withdrawn from service. The Tourmaline is on the North American Station, the Ruby in the Training Squadron, and the Garnet returning from the Pacific. These ships are efficient for the services on which they have been engaged. The Emerald is not in commission, but is available for service if required.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESHave the five Admirals and two Captains had 16 pointed out to them the fact that they have infringed the Queen's Regulations, and will they be censured for having done so?
*SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHThe hon. Member suggests that, because five Admirals and two Captains are on the Council of the United Service Institution which has published this statement, the Admiralty should censure them. The hon. Member will perhaps put his question down on the Paper.