§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that after the destroyer "Panther" has been relieved by the "Saracen," or "Afridi, "the first destroyer flotilla will consist entirely of vessels of the "Tribe" and "River "classes, none of which was completed before 1904; and if he will state how many destroyers of these classes are in reserve?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Gentleman on 24th May, namely, that the general principle is that, subject to a few exceptions, the latest destroyers are placed in the fully-manned flotillas.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREThis would be one of the exceptions to which the right hon. Gentleman referred.
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, It would be in accordance with the general principle.