§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether ho is aware that the Selborne Memorandum, 15th March, 1905, laid down that for the future there would be three sets of combined fleet exercises annually in addition to the naval manœuvres in June and July; whether any combined fleet exercises have taken place since the new scheme of distribution was first brought into operation; and whether he can state what combined fleet exercises are to take place annually in addition to the naval manœuvres, in view of the official statement that the new scheme of distribution will increase the fighting efficiency of the Navy.
§ MR. LAMBERTSince the termination of the Lagos manœuvres about 1130 four months ago, no combined exercises have taken place. The Board of Admiralty fully realise their responsibility for the fighting efficiency of the Navy, as alluded to in the Question, and accordingly arrange for such exercises of the Fleet as in their discretion they consider most desirable. They are not prepared to make any definite statement as to what exercises will in future be carried out.
§ MR. BELLAIRSWill the exercises be quite as frequent and as extensive as in the past?
§ MR. LAMBERTI can only repeat the last sentence of my Answer.