§ MR COURTHOPEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that in the Return of Fleets no less than twenty-one armoured ships are shown by comparison with previous Return 40 to have reduced their armaments by two 12-pounder guns each; and whether in view of the importance of these guns for destroying torpedo craft, he can state for what purpose the reductions have been made.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe Admiralty do not accept the hon. Member's view as to the importance of these guns for destroying torpedo craft.
§ MR. COURTHOPEIs that Answer consistent with the fact that they have recently been supplied with even more of these guns than before?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONasked for notice.