HC Deb 20 February 1900 vol 79 cc571-2
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statement made by Rear-Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, prior to taking up his present command, to the effect that in the event of war swift and specially equipped colliers, telegraph ships, and repairing ships would be essential to the efficiency of the fleet*; whether the Admiralty shares this view; and whether ships of the kind suggested are in existence; and, if not, whether it is intended to construct them or to await the outbreak of war and then to improvise them.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

I have seen many suggestions as to vessels of this kind made in various quarters, both in and outside of the Admiralty. The most appropriate time for me to state the Admiralty policy in these matters is in the debate on the Navy Estimates.

MR. W. ALLAN () Gateshead

Was not a design for swift armed colliers submitted to the Admiralty three months ago?

MR. GOSCHEN

I will make my statement on the Navy Estimates.