§ Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSI had on the Paper yesterday a question which I was requested to postpone until to-day. It was No. 42 in yesterday's Paper, as follows:—Whether, in view of the disquieting statements which have been made concerning the disposition of the home fleets, their present strength in vessels other than battleships, and their general organisation to meet a condition of war, he will further consider the appointment of a Committee to report upon such matters?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA statement in regard to the readiness for war of the fleets in home waters during the last two years was recently submitted to me by Admiral Lord Charles Beresford. The points raised are about to form the subject of inquiry by a Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, over which I shall preside. I may add that the Board of Admiralty concur in desiring such an inquiry.