HC Deb 03 July 1911 vol 27 cc782-3
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked how many torpedo-boat destroyers are serving on foreign stations, and how many years have they been launched?

Mr. McKENNA

The total number is eighteen, of which two are in reserve. They were launched:—

4 in the financial year 1894–5
2 in the financial year 1895–6
6 in the financial year 1896–7
1 in the financial year 1898–9
1 in the financial year 1899–1900
1 in the financial year 1903–4
3 in the financial year 1904–5

Of this number, four will shortly be relieved by later vessels.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman admit that of the sixteen ships that are serving on foreign stations only one is under the age limit of the German vessels?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir, the figures I have given would not show that. The hon. Gentleman will see that when he reads the figures. Neither can I accept his statement as to the German limit.