HC Deb 22 February 1911 vol 21 cc1886-7
Mr. JOHN WARD

asked what is the average number of officers and men required to fully man the commissioned ships of war in the whole British Navy?

Mr. McKENNA

The manning requirements of the Navy are governed by the total complements of ships that would be maintained in commission in war, and the numbers voted annually by Parliament are determined by the average number of officers and men so required.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a single figure or indication of the number required?

Mr. McKENNA

I think I have not made myself quite clear to my hon. Friend. I did not gather from his question whether he wishes to know the number of ships which would be fully commissioned in war or which are now commissioned in peace. He has not put that point to me. I have pointed out to him that the number of men we have on Vote A at any moment is governed by the number of men required in war. I do not suppose that the hon. Member wishes me to give the number of ships that we shall have in war.