§ SIR MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbrightshire)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether orders were given to the Mediterranean Fleet, or part of it, to proceed to sea on Sunday the 5th June, to carry out a torpedo attack that day; and, if so, whether the Lords o f the Admiralty will give directions to all Admirals in Command for the due observance of the King's Regulations, that a ship's company is not to be employed on Sundays in any work or duty other than that which the public service may I absolutely require.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) Certain vessels of the Mediterranean Fleet, acting under the orders of the Rear Admiral Commanding the Mediterranean Cruisers, left Gibraltar at 6 p.m. on Sunday 5th June, with a view to carrying out certain strategical exercises during the night, and the morning of 6th June. It is not known whether any special reason existed for this date having been selected, but attention will be called to the desirability of a close adherence to the provisions of Article 667 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, whenever the conditions of the service admit of it.