§ Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give an indication of the effect of the disturbed conditions in the Mediterranean on the normal peace activities of His Majesty's ships, and their crews, as regards sea-time distance steamed and the cost, taking as one instance the recently completed commission of a destroyer flotilla?
Mr. CooperAlthough a very considerable amount of additional steaming and consequent expenditure on fuel and wear and tear have been involved by the disturbed conditions in the Mediterranean, it would not be possible to calculate with any precision the extent of the additional commitment involved without an undue expenditure of time and labour which, in the circumstances, I think my hon. and gallant Friend will agree would not be justified.