§ Mr. BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British Mediterranean Fleet and cruiser squadron have been withdrawn from the Mediterranean to the West Coast of Scotland for a month's manœuvres, leaving no efficient battleships or cruisers in the Mediterranean except the "Duncan," which is refitting at Malta, and whether this step was taken after a correspondence with the Foreign Office in which the situation in the Levant and in Morocco was fully considered?
§ Sir E. GREYI am fully aware of the temporary withdrawal of the greater portion of the Mediterranean Fleet from the Mediterranean to enable them to take part in the naval manœuvres. The advisability of this step was fully discussed between the Admiralty and the Foreign Office. There is nothing in the political situation in the Mediterranean to make it necessary to alter the arrangements.