HC Deb 08 November 1906 vol 164 cc729-30
MR. F. E. SMITH (Liverpool, Walton)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to Clause 3 of the Admiralty Memorandum of the 24th October, how many ships will be withdrawn from the Channel, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Fleets in the process of organising the new Home Fleet; how is the statement in Clauses 1 and 3, that a distinct Fleet will be constituted from the ships in commission in reserve, reconciled with the further statement in Clause 3, that the existing sea - going Fleets are to be reduced for the purpose; with reference to the statement in Clause 2 that the vessels first required in war will have the largest complements what proportion will such complements bear to full complements; what is considered an adequate complement of officers and men for ships in special reserve (Clause 2): and what will be done with the ships in special reserve which are replaced by other ships (Clause 2).

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The hon. and learned Member invites me to make a series of statements respecting the details of the scheme for the redistribution of the Fleet. As that scheme is still in course of development, and will not assume a complete shape for some months, it is not possible to give any definite information at present as to points of detail; nor, if possible, would it—in the opinion of the Admiralty—be in the interests of the public service to do so. I hope the hon. and learned Member will, in the meantime, be content with the assurance given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Gravesend, that the Admiralty consider that the redistribution of ships about to be made adds to the fighting efficiency of the Fleet.

*CAPTAIN HERVEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that no man shall be kept in barracks who is available for drafting to one of the ships of the newly-constituted Home Fleet?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I will submit the suggestion to my colleagues at the Admiralty, but there is no intention to increase the number of men in barracks.

CAPTAIN HERVEY

Is there any intention to decrease the number of men in barracks?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

We believe that the net result of the scheme, which is still incomplete, will be an increase and not a diminution of the sea-service officers and men, taken as a whole.