§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's Ship "Hannibal" had not been in dock for two years when called out for the manœuvres; whether her bottom was so foul that her boilers and engines had to be worked at full speed to get twelve knots out of her; and whether he will state the length of time that has elapsed since other ships of the Seventh Battle Squadron have been docked?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The "Hannibal" had only been nineteen months out of dock. With regard to the second part, the bottom was probably somewhat foul; the speed realised has not yet been reported. The answer to the last part of the question is: "Cæsar," one month; "Illustrious," thirteen months; "Magnificent," twelve months; "Majestic," thirteen months; "Mars," three months; "Prince George," seven months; "Victorious," eighteen months. The practice in force is for ships of the Third Fleet to be docked biennially.