§ Mr. ASHLEYI wish to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that on 31st March, 1909, Great Britain will have 105 destroyers less than 12 years old, built and building, and Germany 73, he will give instructions for the issue of a corrected edition of the Dilke Return of Fleets (No. 277, of 30th July, 1908), according to which, when allowance is made for the destroyers laid down by the two Powers since that date, Great Britain would have on 31st March, 1909, 83 vessels of this type less than 12 years old (laid down since 1897 and launched since 1898) to a total of 96 for Germany?
§ Mr. McKENNAA new edition of the Dilke Return is in preparation, and will shortly be issued. This will show the correct number of destroyers belonging to each Power.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre those returns incorrect as regards destroyers?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe latest information will be given to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhy are these inaccurate returns given to the House of Commons?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe previous returns are not, obviously, up-to-date, and there are certain inaccuracies which will be corrected.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWhy correct them? It only gives everybody information about them.