§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state by how much the naval expenditure of Germany was above or below the Estimates in the years 1903 to 1907, inclusive; and whether any reports have been submitted to the Admiralty as to the assistance rendered to German naval administration and expenditure by the State ownership of canals and railways.
§ MR. McKENNAThe difference between the naval expenditure of Germany and the money voted is as follows—In 1903–4 there was £149,162 more expenditure than was voted. In 1904–5 there was £464,600 loss; in 1905–6 there was £123,477 less; in 1906–7 there was £341,507 less; for 1211 1907–8 the total naval expenditure is not yet available. We have no official information as regards the latter part of the Question.
§ MR. BELLAIRSWhat is the authority for these figures? They do not agree with the Berlin Imperial Gazette figures?
§ MR. McKENNAThey are official figures. I will inquire as to the divergence.