§ MR. ALLENI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the 583 intention of His Majesty's Government to provide auxiliaries for the Mediterranean Fleet; and, if so, whether it is their intention to purchase the necessary auxiliaries required from private sources.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.As already stated, it is the intention of the Admiralty to provide a hospital ship, a torpedo depot ship, a repairing ship, a distilling ship, and a number of additional coaling craft for service with the Fleet. Some of those vessels will be placed in the Mediterranean. Experience will show to what extent it will be desirable to procure additional ships of the respective natures referred to, and whether they can be purchased or built with the greatest advantage.