HC Deb 08 March 1910 vol 14 cc1303-4
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether, in official computations of international naval strength, the large armoured units offered us by the Dominions over-sea were to be considered part of the Fleet for purposes of a possible war in metropolitan waters?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Member asks a hypothetical question to which I could not reply, having in view the possible contingencies, within the ordinary limits to an answer.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether these two ships would be included in the calculation for the two-Power standard?

Mr. McKENNA

That again is a hypothetical question, depending upon which would be the two second strongest Powers at the time the ships were finished.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Then are we to understand from that, that it is not the two next strongest Powers to which the two-Power standard is to apply, but to the two Powers selected by the Government?

Mr. REES

May I ask what the First Lord understands in his answer by metropolitan waters?

Mr. McKENNA

That is one of the numerous contingencies which I should have to take into view in answering the question.