§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Statement of Admiralty Policy, 30th November, 1905, showed on page 37 that there were thirty-three battleships in full commission concentrated in three fleets; whether he is aware that, under the new scheme, there will be thirty-two battleships in full commission in four instead of three fleets, and that six of these battleships will perform less sea work and change two-fifths of their crews under training every eight months; and whether, under these circumstances, the Admiralty adhere to the view that the constitution of the Home Fleet will increase the immediate striking strength of the Navy.
§ MR. LAMBERTYes, Sir.