§ Mr. NEWMANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, owing to the inclemency of the weather and the risk of contracting pneumonia, the cadets at Osborne House have not hitherto been able to indulge in sea-bathing; whether he is aware of the dangerous currents prevalent in that part of the Solent which impart an element of grave danger to inexperienced and incompetent swimmers; and whether, in view of the importance of the art of natation to our future naval officers, he will see his way to the immediate construction of an up-to-date swimming-bath at the Naval College?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The conditions of the arrangements for bathing in the Solent by the Osborne cadets are well known to the Admiralty, and a proposal to construct a 19 swimming bath will be considered before next year's estimates are settled. With regard to the last part of the question, it must be remembered that all the cadets spend two years afterwards at Dartmouth before they go to sea, and there are excellent opportunities for swimming provided there at the Royal Naval College.
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESWhat are these mysterious currents? Is there any other than the ebb and flow?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have said nothing as to the currents.