§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain to the House how it happens that last year, after the manœuvres were finished, the ships belonging to the Mediterranean Fleet returned to their respective ports to give leave to the men, and that this year an Order has been issued directing all ships belonging to the Mediterranean Fleet taking part in the manœuvres to return forthwith to their station at the conclusion of the manœuvres; and how the circumstances of the one year differ from those of the other?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty do not consider it expedient on this occasion that the Mediterranean ships should visit their home ports before returning to their station. But nearly all the ships now on the Mediterranean Station which have come home for manœuvres have given leave in England within the last three or four months.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not a fact that there is a regulation of the Admiralty which allows leave to be given to the men of the ships. of the Home. Fleet—that the ships must be relieved of their men after the manœuvres are over?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI could not say that.