§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the number of cruisers at present attached to the Mediterranean Fleet and the Channel Squadron respectively, and what is the normal number supposed to be required in each case.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's, Hanover Square)The normal number of cruisers attached to the Mediterranean Fleet is ten and to the Channel Squadron six. The present number is eight and three respectively, the others having been temporarily detached for service on the Cape station. I may remind the right hon. Gentleman that, on the other hand, we have in commission beyond the usual number of cruiser's four other fighting ships composing the training squadron, fully manned and fit for service.