§ Mr. ASHLEYasked why the battleships "Barfleur" and "Centurion" were included as efficient British warships in the Dilke Return of Fleets which was presented to this House in May last, in view 838 of the fact that the decision to remove these ships from the effective list was arrived at on 1st April; and what other warships included in the Dilke Return have been removed from the effective list or placed on the sale list as inefficient between 1st April and 1st July?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs regards the first part of the question, the Dilke Return is a Return "showing the Fleets of Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany, etc., on the 31st day of March, 1909." The "Barfleur" and "Centurion" were not removed from the effective list until the 1st April. With regard to the second part of the question, the "Blackwater," torpedo-boat destroyer, has been removed from the list, her salvage having been abandoned; the "Ferret," torpedo-boat destroyer, has been reduced to harbour service, and is to be used for experimental purposes; and the "Hornet," torpedo-boat destroyer, has been condemned and removed from the effective list.
§ Mr. ASHLEYMay I inquire if it is right to give a Return to this House which states that two battleships are effective when he removes them the very next day?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; it is absolutely necessary to make the Return precisely up to date. A true list is then made.
§ Mr. LONSDALEIs not that a "catchy" answer?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; it is only the proper way to present Returns.