British Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets decreased for budget reasons according to the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad dated 12 March 1932

An item dated London, England 12th referred to orders of the British Admiralty dealing with the changes in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets caused by discussions in the House of Commons and austerity measures. The Mediterranean Fleet was to number 5 instead of 6 battleships, 3 instead of 4 destroyer flotillas and just one aircraft carrier. The Atlantic Fleet was to be renamed Home Fleet and would lose 3 of the 10 battleships and kept in reserve with a personnel strength increased with 25%. The personnel strength in peacetime of the remaining battleships and the 3 torpedo boat (destroyers?) flotillas was to be 4/5 of the temporarily strength. One of the aircraft carriers of he Home Fleet was also kept in reserve.