HC Deb 07 March 1911 vol 22 cc1031-2
Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREW

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether we had any cruisers detailed for the protection of our foodstuffs and commerce in time of war; and whether they were fully manned and in every respect ready for sea?

Mr. McKENNA

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to be satisfied with the statement that the protection of our foodstuffs and commerce is admittedly one of the primary objects of the Navy in time of war, and that the disposition and preparation of the fleet in time of peace is governed by its probable duties in war. As I have already stated, it is not in the public interest to discuss the precise nature of those duties or of the preparations made for them.

Mr. BURGOYNE

On a subject of such serious concern to a number of people, will the right hon. Gentleman make some fuller statement of Admiralty policy in introducing the Estimates?

Mr. McKENNA

I could not undertake to make any fuller statement with regard to the disposition of ships in time of war.

Mr. BURGOYNE

The right hon. Gentleman misunderstands my question. What I desired was that he should make some statement of Admiralty policy, not on the disposition of ships?

Mr. McKENNA

I will do my best to meet the views of the hon. Member.

Mr. GRETTON

Are we to take it that the Memorandum on "Compulsory Service" sets forth the Admiralty policy?

Mr. McKENNA

That does not arise out of this question.