HC Deb 07 August 1905 vol 151 cc366-7
*SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can explain to the House the reduction of the Vote for naval guns, projectiles, and ammunition, and the extent to which it is disconnected from the reduction of new shipbuilding; and whether, in spite of the reduction of the Vote, it is intended to increase practice with full charges.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYIVIAN,) Suffolk, Woodbridge

Under Sub-head F (Guns), the Estimates for 1904–5 included an abnormal expenditure for payments for guns purchased with the "Swiftsure" and "Triumph." The sum available for normal services in that year was, therefore, approximately the same as the amount voted for 1905–6, there being a reduction on normal services of only £9,000, which is due to the amount required for rearmaments in 1905–6 being less than in 1904–5. The decrease under Sub-head C (Ammunition) is due to surrenders of ammunition by ships removed from the Effective List, which becomes available for practice of the Fleet, etc. The Answer to the concluding paragraph of the Question is in the affirmative, and the money taken provides for the increased practice with full charges (battle practice).