Sir R. HALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of previous statements, he can now say if the forthcoming exihibition at Rio de Janeiro is regarded as a suitable opportunity to send a representative squadron under a flag officer to those waters?
§ Mr. AMERYAs my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the withdrawal of the South American Squadron was decided on with great reluctance, owing to the stringent financial conditions. There are, therefore, no ships now stationed in South1710W American waters. As the sum allowed in the Estimates for oil fuel is barely sufficient for the war training of the Fleet, a Supplementary Estimate would be necessary in this respect if a squadron were sent to Rio de Janeiro on the occasion referred to. Even for such a desirable object, the Board of Admiralty do not feel justified in asking for a Supplementary Estimate at the present time.