§ Mr. J. T. MIDDLEMOREasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state when the D 1 Submarine will be ready for service; and what was her speed on trial?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. R. McKenna)I regret that we have no information to give on this subject.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked whether any more of the type of the D 1 submarine have been commenced; and can the right hon. Gentleman, without making any statements the publication of which would be detrimental to the public interest, give the House some idea of the efficiency and battle value of these craft?
§ Mr. McKENNAI regret that I have no information to give on this subject.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the Navy Estimates for 1909–10, bearing the date 5th March, 1909, show that two submarines of the D class are under construction, and that the Dilke Return, in which are included ships building on 31st March, 1909, show that only one vessel of this class was under construction; and whether he will say what was the actual number of submarines of this class built, and building, for the fleet on the latter date?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Navy Estimates are prepared some time in advance, and at the time of preparation it was estimated that D 2 would be ordered before the end of the financial year. This anticipation could not be realised. The Dilke Return was corrected up to the last moment, and was correct.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREDoes the right hon. Gentleman pledge himself to the accuracy of the Return?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, at the moment it was made, it was quite accurate.