§ 28. Mr. ASHLEYasked whether the original scheme of organisation for the patrol flotillas included ninety-seven destroyers and torpedo-boats; whether he is aware that the current issue of the Navy List accounts for only ninety-three; and whether it has now been decided to reduce the number in commission with nucleus crews to eighty; and, if so, what is the reason for these reductions?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, if destroyers paid off for refit are included. The number shown in the current Navy List is 91, and there are in addition six others paid off for refit. The number is about to be reduced to 80, as it is considered that twenty destroyers is a more convenient number to keep in each flotilla at the present time, now that the new organisation has been established.
§ Mr. ASHLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if one of the very important reasons is that he has not got enough men to man these ships?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI shall have sufficient men at the dates when the new flotillas are put into commission, and they will be put into commission as their presence becomes necessary. The men will be there when the time comes to increase these flotillas in numbers.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAt the present time the right hon. Gentleman has not got the men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAt the present time I have not got men to man more than the ships that are necessary.