§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many armoured ships were being annually laid down by Germany at the date of the issue of the Statement of Admiralty Policy, in which it was declared that our strategical requirements necessitated the output of four large armoured ships annually; and to 1182 what extent had the German annual programme been modified since that date both as regards numbers and the size and power of individual ships?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe number of armoured ships being laid down by Germany at the date mentioned was:—
The present programme is:—
- 2 battleships
- 1 armoured cruiser.
up to and including 1911.
- 3 battleships
- 1 armoured cruiser
The 1905 battleships are of 13,040 tons and carry 4 11-in. and 14 6.-in. guns. The cruiser is of 11,420 tons and carries 8 8.2-in. and 6 5.9-in. guns.
The ships now building correspond to the "Dreadnought" and "Invincible" classes and are of a much greater tonnage and gunpower, as will be seen by reference to the Dilke Return.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman now say whether the Government intend to make up the leeway necessitated by the departure from the Cawdor programme?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Cawdor programme would only cover one ship.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDo the Government mean to build that one ship?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think the proper time to discuss that will be when the Navy Estimates come on.