§ Mr. LUPTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what precautions are now taken every night against an attack upon the Fleet when anchored at Portsmouth, Plymouth, Dover, or elsewhere, by foreign torpedo-boats; and if he has now adopted the plan of picquet boats, provided with searchlights, patrolling the sea some miles in advance of the Fleet, to give notice of the approach of foreign war vessels in time for the anchored Fleet to prepare for defence?
Mr. M`KENNAThe Admiralty are not prepared to state what precautions are taken against torpedo attack.
§ Mr. LUPTONI take it that the Admiralty does not take the precautions mentioned in the question?
§ Mr. M'KENNANo, Sir; the hon. Gentleman must not infer anything of the kind.
§ Mr. LUPTONMay I take it that the Admiralty does take the precautions?
§ Mr. M'KENNANo, Sir, the hon. Gentleman must not infer anything.