§ Mr. ASHLEYasked on what date did the Home and Atlantic Fleets leave their respective ports to take part in the combined exercises now in progress; what is the number of battleships, armoured cruisers, protected cruisers, and destroyers respectively nominally composing the participating squadrons; and what was the number of vessels of each class unable to leave port on that date with the main body?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Home and Atlantic Fleets sailed on 18th April. The nominal strength of the squadrons participating in the cruise is twenty-two battleships, thirteen armoured cruisers first class, six protected cruisers second class, two unarmoured cruisers, two destroyer depot ships, four scouts, forty-nine destroyers. Of these, five battleships, four armoured cruisers, two protected cruisers, second class, two destroyer depot ships, one scout, fifteen destroyers, did not proceed with the main body, as the vessels were refitting or being docked, or preparing to refit, or were employed on other duties.
§ Mr. ASHLEYMay I ask why our first striking force should be short one-third of its strength, and unfit for commission after a fortnight's notice?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; that is not so. The fact that a ship is being repaired or refitted does not imply that it would be unfit for action if called upon, but all ships in this or any other striking force must be repaired from time to time.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to always dock one-third of our strength as compared with other forces.
§ Mr. McKENNAGerman ships, like ours, have to repaired.