§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state what was the number of lieutenants in the French fleet last year, and what is the number proposed for next year; and what is the number of sea-going lieutenants in His Majesty's Fleet, excluding honorary lieutenants and holders of permanent shore appointments.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.The number of lieutenants in the French fleet last year was 778, including 23 supernumeraries without pay. The number proposed for 1901 is 778, including 24 supernumeraries without pay. The number of sea-going lieutenants in the Royal Navy on 1st April of the present year—excluding honorary lieutenants and officers permanently employed upon shore, but including 31 lieutenants employed on coastguard service—was 1,169. I may add that at the same date there were 439 lieutenants on the list of the Royal Naval Reserve.