§ 16. Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has a definite assurance from the Admiralty that the Navy could certainly prevent an enemy from landing a force of 70,000 men with some Artillery, but no mounted troops, within the space of thirty-six hours; and, if not, could he say whether the Territorials and the remaining men of the Regular Army and Special Reserve could drive these invaders into the sea within a week of their landing, if the Expeditionary Force was abroad?
§ Colonel SEELYI must ask the hon. Gentleman to refer to my reply to a question on this subject put by the hon. and gallant Member for the Andover Division on Monday last.
§ Mr. HUNTSince then has not the First Sea Lord told us that the Navy alone cannot prevent invasion, and that we must have well-trained troops as well?
§ Colonel SEELYNothing that the First Sea Lord has said will alter the statement which I have made. I cannot enter into the question of invasion by question and answer. It is obviously a proper subject of debate.