§ Mr. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, 1427 with reference to the naval programmes of 1907–8, whether he is aware that the Return of Fleets just issued credits Germany with a programme of three armoured vessels carrying thirty-eight to forty-four heavy guns, as compared with our programme of three armoured vessels carrying thirty heavy guns; whether he is aware that in addition the German programmes for two years have exceeded those introduced by the present Government in respect of cruisers and destroyers by three protected cruisers and seventeen destroyers; and whether, with the settlement of the question of the arrest of armaments on the conclusion of the Hague Conference, these facts will be taken into immediate consideration.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe figures quoted by the hon. Member are well known to the Admiralty, and will be considered at the proper time.