§ 56. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there have been any changes in the disposition and bases of the Mediterranean Fleet as a result of the raising of sanctions; and, if so, whether he can give the House any information regarding them?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)As my hon. Friend is aware, the question of the raising of sanctions depends upon the decision of the League of Nations, by whom it is now being considered. Until a decision has actually been reached, no important changes in the disposition of the Fleet can be made, but, as soon as a return to normal conditions is possible, it is the intention of the Admiralty to arrange for those officers and men who have leave overdue to them to receive it.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes not my Noble Friend consider it very undesirable that the movements of the Fleet should be fully and accurately reported in every Continental newspaper and not published in British newspapers, and as soon as ordinary conditions are restored, will he give an undertaking that the British public shall have full information regarding the movements of the Fleet?