HC Deb 14 March 1910 vol 15 c17
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked how many torpedo-boat destroyers are considered by the Board to be effective; how many of these are manned with full complements; and how many with nucleus or reduced nucleus crews?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer to the first part of the question is the same as to the corresponding part of the previous question. The numbers are:—With full complements, 65; with nucleus crews, 73, exclusive of 36 first-class torpedo boats which form part of the destroyer organisation. Some of these 73 have full crews while acting as tenders to gunnery and torpedo schools. There are no destroyers in commission with reduced nucleus complements.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now nearly a year since the Dilke Return was last issued, and can he hold out any hopes that it will be issued very shortly?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, immediately. I will ask my right hon. Friend to place a notice on the Paper.