HC Deb 15 July 1907 vol 178 cc311-2
MR. HUNT (Shropshire, Ludlow)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty on how many occasions has it been proved by experiment that the eleven battleships and ten cruisers now laid up with skeleton crews can be made immediately serviceable for active war within five days, with full crews and complete stores and ammunition.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The system has only come into force generally during the last two months, and the Admiralty are absolutely satisfied that the ships can be mobilised in the time given.

MR. HUNT

But will these ships be ready in five days?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

Of course there has not been an actual experiment, but the Admiralty rely on the advice of the best naval experts.