HC Deb 21 July 1909 vol 8 cc502-3
Mr. ASHLEY

asked what was the designed speed of the British cruisers "Amethyst," "Diamond," "Sapphire," and "Topaze"; whether there were any other small protected cruisers with an equal or greater designed speed in the British Navy; and what is the designed speed of the German cruisers "Berlin," "Bremen," "Danzig," "Hamburg," "Leipzig," "Lübeck," "München," "Königsberg," "Nürnberg," "Stettin," "Stuttgart," "Emden" and "Dresden."

Mr. McKENNA

The designed speed of the four vessels named was 21¾ knots. The scouts and the vessels of "Boadicea" type have a greater designed speed than this, namely, 25 knots. The designed speed of the German cruisers is as follows:—"Berlin, "Bremen," "Danzig," "Hamburg," "Leipzig," "Lübeek," "München," 22 knots; "Königsberg," "Nürnberg," "Stettin," "Stuttgart," 23.5 knots; "Emden," "Dresden," 24 knots.

Mr. ASHLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British cruisers compete in speed with the German boats?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. The hon. Gentleman is aware of the actual laying down of six cruisers last year and the proposal to build six this year.

Mr. ASHLEY

Will they have a speed of 24 knots?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. I think that the hon. Gentleman will find they have.