HC Deb 15 July 1908 vol 192 cc834-5
MR. STANIER (Shropshire, Newport)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the names of the two destroyers bought by the Government to take the places of two ships lost, and with the names of the ones they replace; and whether they equal them in strength.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. MCKENNA,) Monmouthshire, N.

The purchase of two vessels is not yet completed, as the necessary trials have not yet been carried out to ascertain fully their capabilities. They are to replace the "Gala" and "Tiger." If the trials are satisfactory, it is considered they will not be less suitable for the service than the vessels they are to replace. Their names are not yet determined.

MR. STANIER

Are these the vessels mentioned in last night's debate as having been bought?

MR. McKENNA

Yes, but they will not be taken over unless the trials prove satisfactory.

MR. STANIER

Then they have been bought?

MR. McKENNA

Certainly.