§ SIR EDWARD GOURLEY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number and class of ships that are to be employed at this year's naval manœuvres, and for how many days they are to continue; also, will experiments be made in coaling a portion of the squadrons from colliers at sea, and whether it is intended that submarine torpedo boats shall form part of the equipment of some of the ships, seeing that this type of craft is now being largely adopted in connection with other navies; and whether detachments of the land forces will in any way co-operate with the fleets in practising the landing and embarkation of men, guns, and stores, similarly to the combinations which took place in connection with the French naval manœuvres last year in the Mediterranean.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareI wish to treat my hon. friend with every courtesy, but I hope he will not press me for any information with regard to the naval manœuvres. The arrangements will not be finally settled until towards the middle of July.