MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty why the four sailing ships of the Training-Squadron which had been refitted and prepared for sea in October last were suddenly dismantled when on the point of sailing; what has been done with these four ships; what is proposed to be done with them; and does the Admiralty propose to abolish the system of training men and officers in a squadron of seagoing sailing ships; if so, will he, before carrying out any such intention, take measures to ascertain the opinion of all the post captains in the Navy as to the probable effect of withdrawing from the Navy the training hitherto afforded by the Training Squadron.
MR. GOSCHENThe reason for the change in question was that the number of cruisers required in consequence of the despatch of innumerable transports over a distance of 7,000 miles, and the necessity for watching the South African ports, rendered it expedient to substitute four fighting cruisers for four sailing ships. They have been put into the A Reserve. Their ultimate destination 1129 cannot yet be stated. I have already informed the hon. Member that no final or formal decision has been arrived at, but it is not proposed, as the hon. Gentleman, suggests, to circularize the 190 post captains on the active list.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESWill the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to ascertain the opinion of the post captains before a final decision is come to?
MR. GOSCHENI am acquainted with the views of many naval officers on the subject, and I find there is a profound division of opinion amongst them on this very important subject. My hon. friend may rest assured that no final decision will be taken without the greatest consideration.