HC Deb 29 March 1910 vol 15 cc1150-1
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

How many armoured ships will, acording to present arrangements, be laid down by the Powers party to the Triple Alliance between 1st April, 1910, and 31st March, 1911?

Mr. McKENNA

In accordance with the Fleet Law, Germany will lay down four armoured ships—three battleships and one cruiser. The Italian Naval Estimates for the financial year commencing the 1st July, 1910, make provision for the laying down of two battleships. The Austro-Hungarian Naval Estimates have not yet appeared, and we have no official information as to the numbers to be laid down during the period named.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Does the right hon. Gentleman know whether the Italians are going to lay down a cruiser battleship?

Mr. McKENNA

The Italians are going to lay down two battleships during the year 1910–11.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Any cruiser battleships?

Mr. McKENNA

There is nothing in the Estimates relating to cruiser battleships.