§ EARL HOWEasked Her Majesty's Government whether either before or when introducing the Navy Estimates a statement can be included or furnished of the actual ships composing the Royal Navy in their various classes, of the ships in reserve and of the ships it is proposed to dispose of during the forthcoming twelve months, what the conditions for their disposal will be and also what ships have been disposed of during the past year and on what terms; and what the strength of the Royal Navy will be when all the disposals in contemplation have been completed.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (LORD CARRINGTON)The Explanatory Statement on the Navy Estimates already gives a forecast, by classes, of the warships which will be in commission and in reserve during the coming year. I cannot undertake to extend the scope or period of this forecast; but I am considering the suggestion that information should be published about disposals during the past year.