§ 23. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of the Defence Council of the Commonwealth of Australia that the Cabinet should approach the Admiralty to secure the interchange of warships between the Australian and the Imperial Fleets in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters; and what are the relations between the Australian Navy and the Royal Navy in time of peace and war?
There is a line left out of this question, as to what is meant by "Imperial Fleet," but I will ask it in a supplementary question.
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLThe Admiralty are aware that the principle of such interchangeability has received consideration in Australia, and have expressed their readiness to co-operate in such an exchange. Generally speaking, the Australian Navy and the Royal Navy preserve their own individuality, and the relations in time of peace and war will be found in Cd. 5746–2 of 1911.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that the term "Imperial Fleet" is used, and can he say what is the Imperial Fleet?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLAll I can say is that in the time of the late War, the Commonwealth Government gave us entire control of their Fleet.