11. Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what would have been the cost per month of keeping a line of ships stretched 1189 at intervals of fifty miles across the Atlantic while awaiting favourable weather for the transatlantic flight?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI really do not think that any good purpose would be served by endeavouring to work out this cost, though, of course, it would be considerable. Neither do I think it is primarily a question of cost at all. The real question is what is the proper function of the Navy, and how far it is desirable and possible to add to its duties by obligations such as those indicated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. On that, as has been said more than once, the present commitments of the Navy are heavy and responsible. They cannot under any circumstances be set aside; and its resources leave no margin whatever for undertaking duties such as those referred to in the question.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSAs a matter of expert opinion, would it be possible to keep the Navy strung out in this way for an indefinite period, such as would have been necessary if public clamour had been satisfied?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have already said it would be very expensive, but as it cannot be done the question of cost does not arise.
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo.
§ Lieut. - Colonel Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHSWould it be possible, in the event of such flights taking place, if Admiralty ships were in the vicinity of the flight, that they should be notified that the flight is taking place so that they may keep a look out?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf they are there, yes—but they are always on the look out! I will put the point of notification to naval authorities.
§ Sir N. GRIFFITHSWill the vessels be notified?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will put the suggestion at once to the naval authorities.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWould it not be quite possible to have fully-manned ships stationed on the West Coast of Ireland instead of two half-manned destroyers -stationed at Queenstown?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is a question of personnel, and the numbers in the Fleet. Many demands have been made for demobilisation as my hon. and gallant Friend knows.
§ Commander BELLAIRSCan you send the ships out?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. and gallant Friend's request shall be put to the authorities.