HC Deb 03 August 1909 vol 8 c1696
Mr. REES

asked whether any, and, if so, how many, battleships and first-class cruisers are stationed on the East India and China stations?

Mr. McKENNA

Four first-class cruisers on the China station.

Mr. REES

Is there nothing greater than a second-class cruiser on the India station?

Mr. McKENNA

The East India and the China station are one. There are four first-class cruisers on the China station. They all belong to the Eastern station.

Mr. REES

Is there any bigger ship than a second-class cruiser in East Indian waters?

Mr. McKENNA

I think that is the biggest ship in East Indian waters at present.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Is the absence of first-class battleships from the China and East India stations due to the fact that under our alliance with Japan we leave to her the responsibility of defending our interests there?

Mr. McKENNA

I think these questions of high policy had better not be discussed by question and answer.