HC Deb 23 July 1907 vol 178 cc1339-40
MR. GRETTON

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet is held responsible for the defence of home waters; and, if so, whether, in view of this fact, the Board will reconsider its decision depriving that officer of control of the fully-commissioned torpedo flotilla in home waters.

MR. LAMBERT

The Admiralty are responsible for all matters of naval defence, and they arrange the responsibilities of the officers under their orders at their sole discretion.

MR SWIFT MACNEILL

When may we expect an invasion?

MR. GRETTON

asked if the Commander of the Channel Fleet was not responsible for the defence of home waters.

MR. LAMBERT

No, the Board of Admiralty must be regarded as responsible.