§ 3. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the battleships "Albemarle," "Duncan," and "Exmouth," were, at the end of 1912, serving in the fully commissioned fourth battle squadron; whether they have been transferred, or ordered to transfer, to the sixth battle squadron, manned with nucleus crews; and, if so, whether this is the administrative arrangement by which it is intended during the present year to complete the sixth battle squadron; and, if so, in what respect is the efficiency or instantly available strength of the Fleet increased by it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe "Albemarle" and "Duncan" were at the end of 1912 serving in the Fourth Battle Squadron, and are now in the Sixth Battle Squadron. The "Exmouth" was then paid off for refit at Malta, and joins the Sixth Battle Squadron on 1st July. The transfer of ships from the First to the Second Fleet is n, consequence of the delivery of new and much more powerful ships. The instantly available strength of the Fleet has been increased by the formation of an additional squadron of ships in the Second Fleet immediately available in Home waters on war. It has always been the intention to bring un the strength of the Sixth Battle Squadron before completing the Fourth.
§ Mr. LEECan the right hon. Gentleman say of how many shins the Sixth Battle Squadron now consists?
§ Mr.CHURCHILLNot at this moment. There will be seven before the end of the year.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMORECan the right hon. Gentleman say how he is going to supply the places of the two shins that will be taken from the Fourth Battle Squadron?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe delivery of the "Ajax" and the "Audacious" in September and October of this year will release the "Lord Nelson" and the "Agamemnon" from the Second Battle Squadron to join the fourth.