§ 77. Mr. GRETTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Sea Lords of the Admiralty are to assume commands of fleets at sea for the naval manœuvres; if so, will he state what command is allotted to 1064 each Sea Lord; and what is the purpose of this arrangement?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)The Second Sea Lord will command the Bed Fleet at the manœuvres, and the Third Sea Lord will command the Seventh Cruiser Squadron in the Blue Feet during the same period. I attach importance to this arrangement, which secures the closest connection between the Sea Lords and the fleets at sea, and enables officers whose administrative services are of exceptional value to the Admiralty to keep themselves abreast of the latest developments of steam tactics.
§ Mr. GRETTONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the appointment of the Third Sea Lord displaces any officer who would have a command in the Fleet should it be required in war?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAll that has been considered.
§ 78. Mr. GRETTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is prepared to state what is the scheme and purpose of the naval manœuvres this year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. According to the usual practice of the Admiralty, the grand manœuvres will be treated as confidential exercises.
§ Mr. GRETTONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the purpose of the manœuvres, or one of the purposes, is to train officers and men of the Fleet under conditions approximating to war with officers in command of the units which they would command in war?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have stated the manœuvres will be confidential, and I should be stultifying that decision if I discussed them in any aspect.