§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, in connection with the inquiry which has been asked for, and the consideration by the Admiralty Volunteer Committee into the creation of a new division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve at Aberdeen, if he will consider the advisability of holding a public inquiry there, with due notice, so that a local committee might be formed amongst those most likely to be of help in the matter; and if he will keep in view the advantages which would accrue from the retention of H.M.S. "Clyde" as a drill-hall and head-quarters of the proposed new division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) As was stated on the 13th instant, the matter referred to by my hon. friend is receiving consideration in case any extension of the existing numbers of the Naval Volunteers should be required. The matter has not yet reached a stage at which a public inquiry at Aberdeen would be of advantage. The old system of training the Royal Naval Reserve on Board stationary drill ships is being terminated, and in consequence H.M.S. "Clyde" will be paid off on or before 31st March, 1911.