§ Mr. ASHLEYasked what number of British and German destroyers with a designed speed of 26 knots or over, excluding torpedo boats of the coastal destroyer type, have been launched since the year 1S99, or are now in course of construction; and what number of these destroyers have been lost at sea or are no longer effective?
§ Mr. McKENNATaking a designed speed of 26 knots and over, as interpreted under the different conditions which obtain in the two countries, the figures are: 92 German and 32 British. One of the latter has been lost at sea, and none have become ineffective.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to reduce this great inequality?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; the hon. Gentleman has asked me a catchy question, and a reply to it would be entirely misleading, if a due consideration were not given to the words in which I have to answer him.