HC Deb 11 May 1909 vol 4 cc1650-1
Mr. ASHLEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many protected cruisers of a speed of 23 knots or over are permanently attached to the German High Sea Fleet; and what is the speed of the protected cruisers attached to the two battle squadrons of the British Home Fleet and to the Atlantic Fleet?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer to the first part of the question is four. With regard to the second part, the measured mile speed of one of the protected cruisers is over 23 knots, and of the others, 19½ knots.

Mr. ASHLEY

We have only got one over 20 knots in our fleet as compared with four in the German fleet.

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Gentleman must not assume that. The Admiralty prefer to keep their fastest cruisers or scouts with the destroyers.