§ Mr. LOUGHasked whether the Admiralty was still of opinion that Germany will have seventeen battleships of the "Dreadnought" type completed in the spring of 1912, as stated by him in the House of Commons on the 16th March last; if not, what was the present estimate of the number of battleships that Germany might have at that time, when this new estimate was formed; and whether it led to a corresponding reduction in the expenditure on naval preparations in this country?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere are thirteen ships of the "Dreadnought" or "Invincible" type at present completed or under construction in Germany. Four more are due to be laid down during the next financial year, but as it is understood that the orders have not yet been given, it is not possible yet to make a reliable estimate of the date of their completion. I will add that I do not agree that my right hon. Friend has correctly represented the opinion I expressed last March.
§ Mr. LOUGHIs the right hon. Gentleman now of opinion that there will be seventeen "Dreadnoughts" at any time in 1912?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs the orders have not yet been given for the four ships to be laid down in the next financial year, it is not possible now to give any reliable estimate, and I would refer my right hon. Friend to the language which I used last year.