§ MR. DUKE (Plymouth)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the battleships to be laid down before the conclusion of the present financial year are identical with the three ships which were to be laid down in April next; and, if so, whether he will give the reasons for accelerating the commencement of these vessels.
(Answered by Mr. Arnold-Forster.) The three battleships which it is proposed to lay down before the conclusion of the present financial year are not identical with those which it is hoped may be begun in April next. The former are the ships of the current year's programme, and will be built by contract. The latter are the ships which, subject to the sanction of Parliament, will be begun in 1904–5. Arrangements have been made which will permit of these ships being laid down simultaneously in the three principal Dockyards at the beginning of April next.