§ Sir R. GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval officers and men will be thrown out of employment in consequence of the withdrawal of His Majesty's Ship "Hawkins" from the Second Cruiser Squadron and her recommissioning in reserve?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe personnel available when His Majesty's Ship "Hawkins" reduces to reserve will be employed in other vessels of the Royal Navy.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether, having regard to the circumstance that the projected naval treaty with France and Italy has not materialised, he will reconsider the desirability of withdrawing His Majesty's Ship "Hawkins" from the Second Cruiser Squadron and the retention of the ship in the country's effective naval forces:
(2) for what reason he has transferred His Majesty's Ship "Hawkins" from the Second Cruiser Squadron, in which she has been flag ship, and recommissioned her in reserve, having regard to the circumstances that she is an effective vessel of war and of modern type, and of comparatively recent construction?
Mr. ALEXANDERHis Majesty's Ship "Hawkins" is being reduced to reserve on relief by His Majesty's Ship1612W "Dorsetshire" as flagship of the Second Cruiser Squadron. The "Hawkins" will remain an effective unit of the Royal Navy, and it is anticipated that next year the "Hawkins" will proceed to the East Indies Station as flagship, relieving His Majesty's Ship "Effingham."