Captain FABERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state whether, in the late naval manœuvres, the operations of the Red Fleet were directed from the Admiralty; and whether the Red Fleet was completely defeated, both strategically and tactically, by the operations of the supposed enemy?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must, I think, be aware that, as has been stated on several occasions in reply to questions in this House, the manœuvres axe confidential. It would accordingly be contrary to the public interest to reply to the present question. It must not, however, be assumed from my inability to reply, that there is the slightest foundation for the suggestions made in the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question.
Captain FABERArising out of that answer, may I inquire if the House can know whether there were too few cruisers employed: that is the only point?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is not the question on -the Paper. I am not able to reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question for the reason I have given.