§ MR. STAVELEY-HILLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the fact that Germany has laid down thirty-six destroyers in the last three years, he will consider the advisability of increasing the number of those to be laid down during a similar period by this country from seven to a figure corresponding with that of Germany.
§ MR. McKENNAI am unable to verify the figures on which the hon. Member has based his statement that during the last three years seven British destroyers were laid down. As to the number to be laid down, the hon. Member will observe that in the present year it is proposed to lay down sixteen.
§ MR. STAVELEY-HILLIs it not the fact that the German destroyers for this year are already laid down?
§ MR. McKENNAThe German year differs from the British year, and that makes it impossible to draw a comparison.
§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)Is it not a fact that the German destroyers for this year are already laid down?
§ MR. McKENNAIt is impossible to make a comparison, as the year's programmes do not cover the same period.
§ MR. ASHLEYAre we really to understand that the Government do not know what has been the German programme in regard to destroyers for the last three years?
§ MR. McKENNAThe Admiralty are perfectly aware, but that does not arise out of the Question.