§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the First Lord of the Admiralty state whether, in view of the Admiralty contention that the completion of the 12 small fast cruisers provided for in the Navy Estimates for 1908–9 and 1909–10 would give us a marked superiority in that class of ship, he would give instructions for the issue of an amended edition of the Dilke Return (No. 277, 30th July, 1908), according to which, when allowance is made for vessels ordered or provided for since that date, Great Britain will, on the completion of those vessels, possess 19 small fast cruisers to Germany's 29?
§ Mr. McKENNAA new edition of the Dilke Return is in preparation, and will be issued shortly. This will show the correct number of fast cruisers belonging to each Power.
§ Mr. ASHLEYThen may we take it that the last Dilke Return is inaccurate?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes; I assume that is so.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEMay I remind the right hon. Gentleman of his promise made last year, that we should have the Dilke Return before the Navy debate.
§ Mr. McKENNAI am doing my best to see that that result is secured.