§ 55. Sir SAMUEL SCOTTasked the Prime Minister whether the present garrison and armament of Malta and Gibraltar are considered adequate by the Imperial Defence Committee, the Admiralty, and Army Council, in view of the general naval situation in the Mediterranean; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSo far as existing conditions are concerned, the answer is in the affirmative. The adequacy of the garrison and armament of all defended ports abroad is kept under constant observation by the Committee of Imperial Defence and its standing Sub-Committee the Oversea Defence Committee, and they are readjusted when necessary to meet changes in the situation.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs it not a fact that the garrisons both of Malta and Gibraltar have been considerably reduced?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThey have been reduced, certainly.