§ 61. Mr. GARRO JONESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what notice to sail is deemed to be sufficient for a stand-by or emergency destroyer; whether such a vessel would normally have steam for immediate departure; and whether there was any misunderstanding on 31st December last at Alexandria as to which warship was standing by?
Lord STANLEYThe notice for steam of an emergency destroyer or destroyers with a fleet is up to 2½ hours. This is shortened as necessary when conditions require it, the decision resting with the senior officer and depending on local circumstances at the time. The answer to the second part of the question is therefore in the negative. As regards the third part no misunderstanding arose as to which ship was standing by.