HC Deb 25 March 1907 vol 171 cc1482-3
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Croydon)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether a fixed reserve of heavy guns in the proportion of one to every four mounted has hitherto been regarded as essential by the Admiralty; if so, whether any change has recently been made, or is in contemplation, by which the proportion of guns in reserve to guns in use has been or will be diminished; and whether, in view of the frequent assurances that have been given to the House to the effect that the reserve of warlike stores would be maintained at a fixed proportion, any intended departure from that undertaking will be announced to the House.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

No reduction in the reserve of heavy guns or other warlike stores has been made, or is in contemplation.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Is there any reduction in the reserve of ammunition per gun?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

No, I took the Question in that sense.

MR.SAMUEL ROBERTS (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

Is it not the fact that our reserve is much less in proportion than that of either Germany or France?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I must ask for notice of that Question.