§ 6. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked, in view of the fact that in the spring of 1915 we shall have in home waters, including Gibraltar, only thirty-one completed ships of the "Dreadnought" type to Germany's twenty-three, this being equivalent to a superiority of 34.8 per cent. only, what measures are being taken to increase our superiority to the 60 per cent. regarded by the Admiralty as essential?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have repeatedly stated that it is impossible to debate these matters by question and answer. It is much better to wait till the Estimates are presented in due course.
§ Mr. LEEDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept the statement in the question that Gibraltar is in home waters?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that my general answer really covers that point, as well as all the others included in that and similar questions.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMORECan the right hon. Gentleman call Gibraltar in home waters, when it has taken me, in a good ship, nearly five days to come from Gibraltar to Southampton?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. The ships stationed at Gibraltar are available for the defence of home waters, and are considered among the resources we draw upon for that purpose.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDid not the right hon. Gentleman state in his own speech that it was three and a half days' sailing from the North Sea to Gibraltar?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAll these questions of distances and the time it takes ships to traverse distances of sea water are very well-known, and can be verified by reference to any of the ordinary works.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not a fact?