§ Mr. ASHLEYasked (1) whether the statement of Admiralty policy with regard to refits, promulgated on 30th November, 1905, still represents the policy of the Board; and, if so, why were two armoured cruisers absent in dockyard hands from each of the Home Fleet cruiser squadrons on 23rd November, one only being permitted under the terms of the Memorandum; (2) whether the statement of Admiralty policy with regard to refits, promulgated on 30th November, 1905, still represents the policy of the Board; and, if so, why were four battleships from the active divisions of the Home Fleet in dockyard hands on 23rd November last, three only being permitted to be absent for this purpose under the terms of the memorandum?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe statement of Admiralty policy issued by the late Government before they left office is obviously not wholly applicable to the present time, when the organisation of the Fleet has been materially altered. There 2344 is, however, no intention of reverting to the still earlier practice of placing whole squadrons in dockyard hands for refit at the same time.
§ Mr. ASHLEYMay I ask what standard is now recognised at the Admiralty, and whether the change was made from the old Memorandum?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf my hon. Friend would like an answer to that, perhaps he will put a question down.