HC Deb 04 July 1911 vol 27 cc972-3
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any of the armoured units of the German programme for 1908 have yet been commissioned for service with the Fleet, and, if so, when; and whether he can stale the dates on which they wore laid down, launched, and commissioned for trials?

Mr. McKENNA

Of the armoured units of the German programme for 1908, one, the "Thuringen," was commissioned for trials on 1st July, 1911. None have yet been commissioned for service with the Fleet. The dates of order and launch are as follows:—

"Ostfriesland," ordered 19th April, 1908; launched 30th September, 1909.

"Helgoland," ordered 20th June, 1908; launched 25th September, 1909.

"Thuringen," ordered 20th June, 1908; launched 27th November, 1909.

"Moltke," ordered 11th September, 1908; launched 7th April, 1910.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "Thuringen" was commissioned last Saturday?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir. I understand that it was not commissioned for service, but for trials last Saturday. That is the information which I have received.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give details as to the displacement, armament, engine-power, speed, etc., of the German battleship "Thuringen"?

Mr. McKENNA

The details concerning this ship have appeared in "Nauticus" for 1911. We have no official information concerning her.