§ Mr. PRETYMANasked the dates at which the seven torpedo-boat destroyers now on the China stations were built; whether they are now fit for sea and capable of doing the work which would be required of them in war; and whether any parent ship is provided for this flotilla?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe seven destroyers on the China Station were completed in the following years:—"Handy" and "Janus" in 1895, "Hart" in 1896, "Fame," "Virago" and "Whiting" in 1897, "Otter" in 1900. The "Handy," "Hart" and "Janus" are ordered to be relieved shortly by three of the River class, and consequently no further sums will be expended on their repairs. All except the "Handy" and "Hart" are fit for sea and capable of doing the work required of them in war. They do not require a parent ship, as they are based on the dockyard.
§ Mr. PRETYMANMay I ask whether there is any peculiarity about the dockyard at Hong Kong that makes it better than other dockyards, since in ether parts of the world a parent ship is necessary; and if such a ship is necessary at Harwich, why is not necessary at Hong Kong?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is a question of the mobility of the vessels. A parent ship is required at Harwich for the service which destroyers have to perform, but the service they are called on to perform in China and the circumstances are entirely different.
§ Mr. PRETYMANMay I further ask whether all those destroyers are not of an old, condemned class?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.
§ Mr. PRETYMANMay I ask if they are not of a class which, over and over again, has been condemned in debate in this House?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; they have not been condemned.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand that the German Government replace destroyers after twelve years' service?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. The hon. Gentleman has stated that frequently in the House. The German Government have issued no orders to replace destroyers after twelve years.