§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether the German cruiser which was laid down in 1907, at the same time as the British "Invincible," is of considerably greater displacement and fighting power than the British vessel, and whether the German Government have, during the last year and the present year, laid down two more cruisers still larger and more powerful?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe details with regard to the "Von der Tann," which is assumed to be the vessel referred to in the first part of the question, have not been made public, but it is not anticipated that the comparison suggested with regard to our "Invincibles" will be found to be justified. It has been stated in the Press that the two cruisers laid down subsequently by the German Government will be larger and more powerful than the "Von der Tann."
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it not a fact that the German cruisers have twelve big guns and ours only eight?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt may be well known to the hon. Gentleman, but we have no official information on the subject.