§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, when the Annual Return, Fleets (Great Britain and Foreign Countries), will be available for the information of the House; and whether there is any reason for departing from the usual practice of circulating this Return some time previous to the discussion of the Shipbuilding Vote.
§ MR. MCKENNAThe proof of the Return has been submitted to me to-day. Its preparation was delayed owing to some correspondence between the Admiralty and my right hon. Mend the Member for the Forest of Dean and the hon. Member himself, but had Vote 8 not been taken somewhat earlier than usual this year, it would have been issued before the discussion of the Vote.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEESo far as I am concerned there has been no correspondence for some months. Will no information be forthcoming as to the comparative strength of British and foreign fleets 391 before the debate on the Navy Votes closes?
§ MR. MCKENNAI am exceedingly sorry the Return is not ready, but I shall be happy to let the hon. Gentleman see the proof which reached me only this morning.