HC Deb 06 December 1911 vol 32 cc1381-2
Mr. ASHLEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that, of the fourteen fully commissioned battle and armoured cruisers attached to the Home and Atlantic Fleets, three are in dockyard hands and seven are absent from Home waters, and whether four cruisers are adequate to carry out the duties which should be performed by fourteen; (2) whether ninety-eight battleships, cruisers, scouts, and destroyers were in full commission in the Home and Atlantic Fleets on 23rd November, and that at least forty of that number were then in dockyard hands or absent from Home waters, including twenty armoured ships out of thirty-six; and whether the ships actually available were sufficient for the defence of the country in case of need; (3) whether, in view of the fact that the German high-sea fleet comprises seventeen fully commissioned battleships, and that the British Atlantic Fleet of six battleships is now at Gibraltar, and has been there since early in October, he can assure the House that these six ships are immediately available to reinforce the Home Fleet of sixteen fully commissioned battleships in order to ensure the superiority of the British battle forces in the North Sea; (4) whether he is aware that six protected cruisers are nominally attached to the battle squadrons of the First and Second Divisions of the Home Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet, and that of these six ships the "Bristol," "Dartmouth." and "Gloucester" are in dockyard hands at Devonport; and whether he will explain how the remaining vessels represent a sufficient cruiser complement for three battle fleets totalling twenty-two battleships?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I propose to give one answer to the hon. Member's four questions dealing with the readiness of the Fleet for war. The situation is perfectly natural and need cause no anxiety. This is the season of the year when it is usual and convenient that a considerable number of vessels should undergo their annual refit. To neglect these necessary repairs would be to ruin the Fleet. These considerations press with at least equal force, at this season of the year, upon the fleets of other Powers. The movements of the Fleet are always regulated after due consideration alike of international politics and of strategic possibilities. It would certainly not be useful to embark on any discussion of these at Question Time. With regard to the facts and satisfies which the hon. Gentleman has collected, I do not propose, unless I am assured during the course of the Session that there is a general wish on the part of the House for detailed information, to make any statement, further than to point out that my hon. Friend has omitted from his minute and ingenious calculations the battleships and cruisers of the Third Division of the Home Fleet, which, with their attendant destroyers and submarine flotillas, are ready for service and could proceed to sea at very short notice and would be manned entirely by active service ratings.

Mr. CLYNES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that scare-mongering is not subject to any seasonal fluctuations?

Mr. ASHLEY

Is it normal that nearly 50 per cent. and sometimes more of our battle fleet should be laid up at one time?

Mr. CHURCHILL

At this season of the year it is necessary that repairs should be executed as required in the dockyards, but that process is always carried out with careful regard to considerations that can properly regulate the distribution of the fleet.

Mr. ASHLEY

I understand the right hon. Gentleman does not dispute my figures?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I carefully avoided either challenging or endorsing them.