§ Mr. ASHLEYI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman how many torpedo-boat destroyers of the high free-board type are now completed for the Navy; how many are in full commission; and how many in reserve?
§ Mr. McKENNA35 in full commission. 2 in commission with nucleus crews.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand that there are none in reserve to meet the wastage of war?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Member asked me how many were in commission and how many were in reserve. My answer is that they are all either in commission or in nucleus crews.
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any British torpedo-boat destroyers are manned only with a care and maintenance party; if so, how many; and of how many men does the party consist?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere are five destroyers in dockyard hands for long refit with a care and maintenance party allowed to them. This party consists of one officer and seven ratings, or, in one case, of two officers and six ratings.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentlemen say whether these destroyers which carry care and maintenance parties on them are any use for effective service?
§ Mr. McKENNAAt the moment, of course they are not, but as soon as their refit is finished they will be of use.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand that these five vessels will be of any use in time of war?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey would not be at the outbreak of war, but they would in a day or two afterwards.