§ Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the amount of the estimated expenditure on submarine vessels (in addition to those already built) for which provision is made in the latest Navy Estimates of the United States and France respectively.
Mr. GOSCHENDuring the financial year beginning 1st July, 1900, the Secretary of the United States has been authorised to contract for five submarine boats at a price not exceeding 170,000 dollars each. During the financial year beginning 1st January, 1900, the French Estimates provide £140,292 for submarine boats.
| † The following is the Reuter's telegram referred to:—" WELLINGTON, July 21.—Mr. Seddon, Premier and Minister of Defence, to-day submitted a scheme to the New Zealand Parliament having reference to the harbour defences, to the defence forces, and to the permanent Imperial Reserves. The scheme provides for an Imperial Reserve force of 10,000 good riders and shots in New Zealand for Imperial or Colonial service within defined limits. Mr. Seddon is of opinion that the scheme is feasible, and that if it commends itself to Australia, and if a number should there be enrolled relative to the number and population of New Zealand, a Reserve of 50,000 could be formed ready for Imperial service at any time. The scheme provides for one month's drill annually. The total maintenance of 50,000 men would cost £1,000,000, and if drill is not required the cost would be £500,000 a year, to be borne by the Colonial and Imperial Governments on a population or other equitable basis, the first cost of equipment and munitions to be found by the Imperial Government, the colonies paying 3 per cent, thereon. In calculating the interest, the difference between the rate at which the colony could raise the money and the rate at which it could lie obtained by the Imperial authorities would form a sinking fund to pay off the principal within a reasonable time. Mr. Seddon recommends that the naval branch of the Reserves and Volunteers should be drilled on the cruisers of the Australasian squadron |
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONDo the French figures represent the total expenditure or only the estimates for the year?
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY (Yorkshire, Shipley)Arising out of the answer, may I ask whether my right hon. friend will say whether the Board of Admiralty are dealing with this matter?