§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many British battleships in full commission are in Home waters; and how many protected cruisers there are attached to these vessels?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe numbers are twenty-two and five respectively. There will be six protected cruisers when the "Falmouth" joins the Second Division next month. These figures do not include vessels temporarily in full commission for exercises, or vessels attached to destroyer flotillas.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREIs that considered entirely satisfactory?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, sir, it is eminently a matter on which I have taken naval advice, and I am informed it is quite satisfactory.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked what is laid down by the Admiralty as the numerical proportion of cruisers to existing battleships (excluding battleship-cruisers) to meet any reasonably possible combination of foreign Powers?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is not possible to lay down any such proportion as the hon. Member suggests. The number of battleships and cruisers must be determined by their probable requirements in war independently of each other.