HC Deb 11 August 1909 vol 9 cc383-4
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the armoured cruiser of an improved "Invincible" type to be laid down in November was required for the protection of commerce, he would state whether the vessels of the "Invincible" and "Indefatigable" classes had been designed for a similar purpose?

Mr. McKENNA

All war vessels that are designed have as one of their alternate objects the protection of commerce, since one of the main purposes for which the British Navy exists is to keep the trade routes open.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

This vessel is no more for the protection of commerce than the other "Dreadnoughts"?

Mr. McKENNA

No; she will perform precisely the same functions.

Mr. W. W. ASHLEY

Is it the intention to keep this vessel in home waters, or to send her to foreign stations?

Mr. McKENNA

As the vessel cannot be built for a considerable time, I think the discussion of that point might be deferred.