HC Deb 27 November 1906 vol 165 cc1413-4
MAJOR ANSTRUTIIER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the sea-going squadrons are to be reduced by six first-class battleships and four armoured cruisers, thus reducing the battleships at sea in full commission from thirty-two to twenty-six, and the cruisers from twenty-one to seventeen, and the first line of defence by one-fifth.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I have nothing to add to the replies which I have already given to the hon. and learned Member for the Walton Division of Liverpool on 14th November, and to the hon. Member for Brighton on 31st October.†

MR. ARTHUR LEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult his colleagues with regard to the advisability of issuing a fuller and reasoned explanation of the recent change of policy in view of the fact that the very brief statement made to the Press has, as I think the right hon. Gentleman knows, been very much misunderstood? If the right hon. Gentleman would do so, it would greatly relieve him of criticism.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I will consider that.

SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

May I ask whether the Admiralty consider that a ship not in full commission, but belonging to the Home Fleet, is as available and useful as a part of the striking force as a ship in full commission?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I do not think I can answer that question at a moment's notice. It is the belief of the Admiralty that the redistribution will add to the striking force of the Fleet.