§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N. W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether H. M. S. "Indefatigable" is to proceed this year to Bermuda to dock for repairs; how long it is estimated that the repairs will take; 39 and whether a ship will be sent to replace the "Indefatigable" in West Indian waters daring her absence in Bermuda.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe "Indefatigable" is en route to Bermuda for docking and to carry out prize firing. No estimate of the time she will be in dock can be given until she has been examined at Bermuda. The presence of the "Scylla" in West Indian waters is considered by the Admiralty sufficient for present needs.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONIn the event of the repairs taking more time than is anticipated will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that another vessel shall be sent to take her place?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI car give no further assurance than that the matter shall be considered.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Why not take your advice from the Lords of the Admiralty rather than from amateur sailors?
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)Has any decision been come to with regard to increasing the naval force on the West Indian station?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONasked for notice.
§ MR MITCHELL-THOMSONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the number of marines borne in H. M. S. "Indefatigable" and H. M. S. "Scylla" respectively."
§ MR EDMUND ROBERTSONThe numbers allowed by complement are as follows: —
| Officers. | N. C. O's and Men. | |
| "Indefatigable" | 4 | 130 |
| "Scylla" | — | 26 |
§ The latter ship has the full ordinary complement of her class. |