18. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for the number of vessels of each class now stationed in the Mediterranean; and the number of vessels of corresponding classes in commission in the Mediterranean of the Austrian, Italian, and French navies?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe British vessels stationed in the Mediterranean are specified in the Navy List. The answer to the latter part of the question is as follows:—
| Austria-Hungary. | Italy. | France. | ||
| Battleships | 6 | 11 | … | 17 |
| Battle cruisers | — | — | … | — |
| Cruisers | 1 | 9 | … | 12 |
| Light cruisers | 3 | 4 | … | — |
| Destroyers | 6 | 29 | … | 39 |
| Torpedo-boats | 8 | 33 | … | 33 |
| Submarines Uncertain | 15 | … | 22 |
Mr. F. HALLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he did not state the last time that in July this year there would be at least four battle cruisers in the Mediterranean, and is it not a fact that only the "Inflexible" has reached Malta up to the present?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe "Inflexible" is the only battle cruiser in the Mediterranean at present. The other ships are concentrated here for the purpose of the manœuvres.