§ 15. Mr. TOM SMITHasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the number of reservists embarked during the cruise of the vice-admiral commanding the reserve fleet in his flagship His Majesty's Ship "Effingham"; why these reservists were not embarked in home fleet ships which have been visiting in the same localities as in previous years; and whether he can now give the cost of this cruise?
Lord STANLEYThe number of reservists embarked in "Effingham" during her cruise will be approximately 27 officers and 624 men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The superior accommodation available in the flagship of the vice-admiral commanding the re- 2569 serve fleet enables ratings of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve to be embarked in larger batches, accompanied by their own officers, than would be possible if ships of the home fleet were utilised, and this is most desirable. The cost of this cruise is estimated at £1,250.