§ MR. ROBERT WALLACE (Edinburgh, E.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the proportion of British ships, in number and class, to the total fleet of the Concert of Europe now in Cretan waters. The hon. Member further asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he had sent any instructions to the British Admiral in view of the possible irruption of the Turkish fleet?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYWith reference to the Question on the Notice Paper, I have to say 396 that out of a total of five battleships two are British. Of 11 cruisers two are British. Of eight torpedo gunboats one is British. And of eight torpedo boats none are British. To sum up, out of a total force of 32 war-vessels in Cretan waters at the present time, five are British. With reference to the hon. Member's supplemental Question, I may say that the Admirals have decided that they will not permit the entry of Turkish warships in Canea Bay—[cheers]—and they have informed the Turkish Governor General of their decision. [Cheers.] Their action is not disapproved by Her Majesty's Government. [Loud cheers.]