§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many completed torpedo boat destroyers on the effective lists of the British and German navies, respectively, were launched during and after the year 1899?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere are 59 British, excluding 31 vessels originally termed coastal torpedo boat destroyers, but now classed as torpedo boats, and 72 German.
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether the 12 destroyers of the German 1907–8 programme are already completed for sea; and what is the anticipated date for the completion of the five British destroyers of the same year's programme?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe are aware that the 12 destroyers of the German 1907–8 programme are completed and in commission. The five British destroyers referred to—namely, "Crusader," "Maori," "Nubian," "Viking," and "Zulu," were all contracted for to be delivered in October next. The first three named of these vessels are expected to be delivered in that month, but the "Viking" and "Zulu," building on the Tyne, have been much delayed by labour troubles; the date of delivery is somewhat uncertain, but it is expected they will not be delivered at the earliest till January next.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman say why he considers it satisfactory that the English programme should be delayed so much longer than the German?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt depends upon the date at which the British and German programmes were respectively started upon.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhy should we expect to take a year longer than the Germans?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe do not expect to take a year longer. The German destroyers were laid down at an earlier date than the British destroyers. The question the hon. Member now raises was discussed when the Estimates of 1907–8 were before the House of Commons.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhy should we lay down our destroyers later in the year than the Germans?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is convenient for us to do so.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILWill the right hon. Gentleman state when respectively the English and the German destroyers were laid down?
§ Mr. McKENNAI could not state the precise months without notice.