§ MR. NORMAN (Wolverhampton, S)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to a statement by Rear Admiral Lord Charles Beresford that the fleet is not properly organised and prepared for war and is therefore unable to act immediately if called upon; whether this statement is consistent with Admiralty regulations; and whether he has taken or proposes to take any action in consequence of it.
§ THE SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.The attention of the Admiralty has been called to the statement referred to and it is to be regretted that a false impression may be created by it. The Fleet in case of war could act immediately. There is not, and never can be, finality in organisation for war. The improvement and perfecting of that organisation continuously occupies the attention of the Admiralty, and is the special responsibility and main function of the Senior Naval Lord. The interests of discipline do not require that the discretion of officers on half-pay should be regulated to the extent which is necessary in the case of officers on Active Service, who come under the Naval Discipline Act.