§ MR. HUNT (Shropshire, Ludlow)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many destroyers there are on the China station, and how many of these are in full commission all the year round, and how many in reserve.
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (MR. LAMBERT, Devonshire, South Molton)Seven, five with full crews and two with nucleus crews.
§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)Can the hon. Gentleman say why since July, 1906, the number of destroyers has been reduced from thirteen to seven?
§ MR. LAMBERTNo, Sir. The reduction is made at the discretion of the Admiralty, who must be the sole judge in this matter.