§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many battleships of the King Edward class have been passed into the reserve, and in what years they were launched; and how many battleships in the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets are of older design than these ships, are less powerfully armed, and are of smaller displacement?
§ Mr. McKENNANone of the "King Edward" class have been passed into the reserve. The "King Edward" class were all launched in the years 1905 and 1906. All the battleships of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets are of older design than those ships; they are less powerfully armed and are of smaller displacement.
§ Mr. LEEIs it not the case that at least one ship of the "King Edward" class is being commissioned with a nucleus crew? Is not that largely equivalent to placing it in reserve?
§ Mr. McKENNAOh, no; it is anything but reserve. Two of the "King Edward class are commissioned with nucleus crews.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREAre the "Africa" and the "Commonwealth" included?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is so.