§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that of the eleven destroyers on the Mediterranean station four have been launched sixteen years, four others fourteen or fifteen years, and the remainder from ten to fifteen years; and whether, in view of the fact that a number of River class destroyers now serving in the fully-commissioned flotillas of the Home Fleet will shortly be relieved by the vessels of the "Beagle" class, he will consider the advisability of sending some of the River class boats to the Mediterranean instead of transferring them to the reserve flotillas at home?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am aware of the age of the destroyers in the Mediterranean. It is not proposed to make any change at present.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs that satisfactory, seeing that these old ships may have to meet modern craft?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman is not called upon to answer a question of that nature.