HC Deb 25 February 1908 vol 184 cc1553-4
MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether it is proposed to increase the strength of the China Squadron, and to send a warship, superior to the class of a gunboat, to patrol the Persian Gulf.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The answer to both parts of this Question is in the negative. The Persian Gulf is visited from time to time by the larger ships of the East Indies Squadron.

MR. REES

What is the size of the largest vessel?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

My hon. friend will find that in the Navy List.

SIR BERKELEY SHEFFIELD (Lincolnshire, Brigg)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the name of the gunboat detailed for duties in the Persian Gulf; whether any other vessels assist her in the suppression of piracy; and what was the speed at her last full-speed trial.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The gunboats "Redbreast" and "Lapwing" and the Special Service vessel "Sphinx" are told off for duties in Indian waters, principally in the Persian Gulf. These duties, in which they are assisted from time to time by other ships of the East Indies Squadron, include the suppression of piracy. At the latest machinery trials, with authorised natural draught power, the speeds attained were:—"Redbreast," 11.31 knots; "Lapwing," 10.12 knots; "Sphinx," 9.16 knots.