§ MR. TALBOT (Oxford University)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the condition of the "Exmouth" training ship, now under the management of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, from which, in the year 1901, 151 boys were sent into the Royal Navy, as against 160 from all other training ships other than industrial and reformatory ships; and whether, in view of the service thus rendered to the Navy, the Admiralty can assist the Metropolitan Asylums Board by placing some other ship at their disposal.
(Answered by Mr. Arnold-Forster.) The attention of the Admiralty has been called to this matter. One vessel offered by the Admiralty has already been inspected on behalf of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, but was not considered 1258 suitable. The question whether there is another ship which can be placed at their disposal is receiving careful consideration, but owing to the very limited number of vessels that could possibly be suitable for a purpose of this kind, it is feared that it may be found impracticable to meet the wishes of the Board.