§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that the Admiralty issues warrants to yachts belonging to several leading yacht clubs, according to them the privilege of flying what were at the time the red, white, and blue ensigns of Her Majesty's Fleet; and (2) whether this privilege is accorded for the reason that these yachts form in any sense part of the defence forces of the Realm; if not, can he state the reasons for this action of the Admiralty which is permitted by legislative enactment?
§ MR. MACARTNEYThe answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1854 consolidated the powers exercised under previous Acts, together with powers exercised either by custom or of right by the 1072 Admiralty. There does not appear to be any record of the reasons which actuated Parliament in confirming the Admiralty in the exercise of this particular privilege, but it is not now granted for the reason that these yachts form in any sense part of the defence forces of the Realm.