§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether in view of the fact that the unarmoured cruisers "Bahia" and "Rie Grande do Sul," now building in this country for the Brazilian navy, had a displacement of 3,400 tons, an armament comprising ten 45-pounder quick-firing guns, and a speed of 26.5 knots, he would state why the British unarmoured cruiser "Boadicea," of 3,300 1654 tons, now completing, had an amament of only six 25-pounders and a speed of 25 knots?
§ Mr. McKENNAComparisons including only two or three of the principal features of the respective designs are misleading. All the qualities possessed by both ships need to be taken into account. The actual speed on trial of the "Boadicea" was, however, 25¾ knots; and the weight of projectile exceeds that stated in the question.
§ Mr. ASHLEYThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the specific question why the "Boadicea" has only six 25-pounders while the other ships have a very much heavier armament.
§ Mr. McKENNAI have stated that the hon. Member has named only two features. There are other features, such as coal-carrying capacity, which affect the radius of action of a cruiser, and that is one of the items which the Board of Admiralty have taken into account.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhy have we only six of these guns while the German ships operating in the same sea have ten?