§ Sir J. D. REESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether four-fifths of the British battleship force is now concentrated in the Home and Atlantic divisions, while the Mediterranean fleet has fallen from a strength of eleven battleships in 1899 to six in 1910; and whether the Government has decided at this juncture to move the naval base at Malta to Gibraltar?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is much better not to discuss this question piecemeal. Upon an occasion convenient to the House, I shall be prepared to make a statement.