55. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if there are to be any naval manœuvres this year; and, if so, between what dates?
§ 57 and 58. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the right hon. Gentleman (1) the date when the naval manœuvres for this year will take place; and, if it has been decided that no manœuvres are to take place, the reasons that have led the Admiralty to come to that conclusion; and (2) whether he has ascertained if foreign Governments are proposing this year to abandon their naval manœuvres; and, if he has not already done so, will he make the necessary inquiries and give the information to the House?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)It has been decided to substitute this year a test mobilisation of the Third Fleet instead of the Grand Manœuvres. This is a more necessary test, and there is a considerable saving in expense. All the ordinary naval manœuvres and exercises will take place as usual. I will make a further reference to this subject in introducing the Estimates. The practice of foreign countries does not appear to have any direct bearing upon the question.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider it will be necessary to sacrifice the training of the personnel to the exigencies of construction or the Treasury?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. Full regard is paid to that important subject.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan we be told what is the exact expense saved by this change of procedure?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think there would be no objection to that at the proper time. I hope to make a further statement on the subject in introducing the Estimates, but I think I can give some very general estimate of the kind the hon. Gentleman desires.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWould it be convenient to the right hon. Gentleman to say now when he proposes to introduce the Navy Estimates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLQuestions relating to the business of the House should be addressed to the Prime Minister.