§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many battleships were maintained in full commission in home waters by Great Britain and Germany respectively in the year 1899; and what are the numbers so maintained by the two Powers to-day?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Gentleman gives no exact date for the earlier year; but, taking 20th May as the date in both cases, the figures are these for ships in full commission in home waters:—
| 1899— | |
| Germany | 8 |
| Great Britain, none (except "Renown" passing through from North America to Malta). The Channel Squadron of 8 battleships was at Arosa Bay in Spain. | |
| 1909— | |
| Germany | 20 |
| Great Britain | 22 |