§ Mr. Ede (for Lieut.-Commander Fletcher)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ships of the Navy, in each category, are not in all respects ready for sea?
§ Sir S. HoareApart from ships of the Reserve Fleet, which are maintained at varying periods of notice for sea, about 16 per cent. of the ships of the Navy are at present not in all respects ready for sea owing to being under repair, refit or alteration. The hon. and gallant Member will, of course, appreciate that a certain percentage of ships must always be under refit, and the percentage at present is not abnormal.