HC Deb 11 March 1925 vol 181 cc1298-9
15. Mr. DUNNICO

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in what particular waters British naval manœuvres have been carried on in the last three years and during the current year, as at present arranged; what expenditure has been so incurred; and whether he can see his way to defer these on the ground of unnecessary expenditure of public money?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

With the exception of a reserve fleet exercise in home waters which was carried out in 1924 at the comparatively small cost of £43,000, no naval manœuvres, as opposed to the normal fleet training and exercises, have taken place during the last three years nor are contemplated in the current year.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will the right hon. Gentleman put forward the view that it is time the British Navy held manœuvres, just as the American and Japanese navies have been bolding manœuvres recently?