Mr. MIODLEMOREasked how many torpedo-boat destroyers in full commission and in reserve, respectively, have carried out torpedo practice during the last six months?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe information asked for by the hon. Member cannot be given, as the Returns of torpedo running are rendered by each destroyer annually from the date of commissioning. The torpedo practices referred to are carried out half-yearly by all destroyers in commission in reserve unless there are exceptional reasons which prevent them.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared explicitly and personally to deny the statement that no torpedo practice has been carried out during the last six months?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Member will give me notice of the question I shall be able to answer him explicitly, but I am not aware that such is the fact.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many torpedo-boat destroyers in full commission and in reserve, respectively, have carried out full-power trials during the last six months?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have not yet received all the information from the ports to enable me to give a complete reply to the 1696 hon. Gentleman, and propose to circulate the answer when ready with the Votes, as it is likely to contain a number of names of ships.