HC Deb 12 July 1911 vol 28 cc356-7
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty at what period only battleships built since the "Dreadnought" will be regarded as effective; and what preponderance in this type of vessel over any possible combination of Powers is regarded as necessary for our sea supremacy by the Board of Admiralty?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

The dates when the battleships built prior to the "Dreadnought" will become ineffective will be a matter for the consideration of the Admiralty in future years. They depend on many circumstances that cannot be foreseen at the present time. The number of vessels of the "Dreadnought" and later types of vessels considered necessary by the Board of Admiralty to maintain our sea supremacy is indicated each year by the provision for new construction made in the Navy Estimates.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he can now give details as to the displacement, horsepower, speed, and armament of the vessels of the "Orion" and "Lion" types?

Mr. McKENNA

It is undesirable at present to furnish the information for which the hon. Member asks.