HC Deb 27 October 1908 vol 195 cc58-9
MR. ASHLEY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty where was each one of the eight cruisers mentioned in the Navy List as belonging to the Mediterranean Fleet on 9th October at the time of the crisis in the Near East.

MR. MCKENNA

The "Lancaster," "Suffolk," "Diana" and "Philomel," were at Malta; the "Minerva" was at sea, and arrived at Malta the next day; the "Aboukir" was at Venice; the "Barham" at Constantinople; and the "Bacchante" was between Gibraltar and England on her way home.

MR. ASHLEY

Then how could the eight cruisers have been at Malta within twelve hours as stated?

MR. MCKENNA

I said that seven were in the Mediterranean at the time. The eighth was on her way home.

MR. BELLAIRS

Was not the "Minerva" paid off at Sheerness on 13th September, and therefore away from the station for a month.

MR. MCKENNA

I stated that the "Minerva" was at sea.

MR. ASHLEY

Which are we to accept as the official Answer—that given to-day, or the one given last week?

MR. MCKENNA

Both.