HC Deb 02 August 1911 vol 29 cc359-60
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the largest battleships in commission, whether for service or for trials, in the British and German fleets, respectively, in July, 1908; what was the tonnage of the ships; and what was the weight of metal fired in one round by all the guns in each ship?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

The largest battleship in commission in the British Fleet in July, 1908, was the "Dreadnought" of 17,400 tons. The weight of metal fired in one round by all her guns was 7,100 pounds. As regards the German fleet, the largest battleship in commission at the same date was the "Schlesien" of 13,040 tons. The approximate weight of metal fired in one round by all her guns was 4,500 pounds.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked what are the largest battleships now in commission, whether for service or for trials, in the British and German fleets, respectively; what is the tonnage of the ships; and what is the weight of metal fired in one round from all guns in each ship?

Mr. McKENNA

The largest battleship in commission in the British fleet at the present time is the "Hercules" of 20,000 tons. The weight of metal fired in one round by all her guns is 8,996 pounds. As regards the German fleet, the largest battleship at present in commission is the "Thuringen" of 22,400 ions. We have no official information as to the weights of the projectiles fired by the guns of this ship.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that our numerical superiority in battleships is sufficient to balance the inferiority in individual ships to the Germans?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Gentleman will remember that in the Debate on this subject I explained the circumstances under which we decided to build a larger type of ships than the "Hercules."

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to modernise all or any of the battleships of the "Majestic" class; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of devoting the money thus absorbed towards raising our strength in fast cruisers to a level with that of Germany rather than of expending it upon ships which are and which must inevitably remain of very doubtful fighting value?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not aware of any proposal to modernise battleships of the "Majestic" class.