§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the "St. Vincent," "Collingwood," and "Vanguard" will have a thinner armour belt amidships than the "Dreadnought"?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The reply to the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman say why he does not give the particulars?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is obviously undesirable to give these particulars. May I point out to the hon. Member that all the information of this kind which the Admiralty think it advisable to give is printed in the form of Returns, and really the hon. Member should not ask these questions.
§ Mr. ASHLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why I should not ask the question?