§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether all the ships' companies have been made up to full numbers in ships taking part in the manœuvres?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir.
§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked how many seamen, trained men (active ratings), are there left in the naval ports during the manœuvres for replacing casualties, sick, etc., in war; and how many trained stokers (active ratings) are there left in the naval ports during the manœuvres?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe numbers left in the ports during the present manœuvres bear no relation to those that would be left on mobilisation, owing to certain vessels not being completed, and certain training establishments not being clo[...]ed. In any case it is contrary to the public interest to give details of numbers such as those asked for.
§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked if all ships have their proper complements of Royal Marines during the manœuvres; if not, how has the shortage been made up to full numbers; and how many Royal Marines (trained men, not recruits) are left at each port division during the manuœvres?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not in the interests of the naval service to furnish the information asked for in the remainder of the question.
§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether any of the Naval Reserve have been called out for the manœuvres, and of what class?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Reserves were not called out but, as is customary, volunteers from the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal 1229 Fleet Reserve (Classes A and B) have been accepted for service in these manœuvres, in place of their ordinary training or drill.
§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDCan the right hon. Gentleman state the number?
§ Mr. McKENNASpeaking roughly and from memory, I think 2,000.