HC Deb 23 July 1907 vol 178 cc1335-6
MR. HUNT

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many destroyers there are at Gibraltar and on the Mediterranean station; and how many of these are in full commission all the year round, and how many in reserve.

MR. LAMBERT

None at Gibraltar; eleven on the Mediterranean station in commission with full crews all the year round.

MR. BELLAIRS

asked why there had been a reduction of destroyers on the Mediterranean station from thirty-four to eleven.

MR. LAMBERT

was unable to add anything to his reply to a similar Question as to the destroyers on the China station.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Why are there so many de- stroyers? Whom do we want to destroy?

MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)

What has happened to the other destroyers? Have they been sent to the Kyles of Bute?

MR. LAMBERT

They are in home waters.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN (Worcestershire, E.)

asked the hon. Gentleman to indicate to the House what were the circumstances which had influenced the Admiralty in their reduction of the force of destroyers.

MR. LAMBERT

was sure that the right hon. Gentleman, having had experience of the responsibility of office, would not expect him to make a statement, in answer to a Question, on a large question of policy.