§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that on the 31st March last Great Britain had 14 armoured ships under construction, including two from the Dominions, to 12 for Germany; whether he is also aware of the announcement made by the Prime Minister on 16th March, 1909, that we could no longer take to ourselves the consoling and comforting reflection that we have the advantage over Germany in the speed and the rate at which ships can be constructed; and whether, in view of these facts, it is his intention to propose an immediate increase in our shipbuilding programme?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe number given in the first part of the question is incorrect so far as this country is concerned. There were 15 and not 14 armoured ships under construction on the 31st March last. With this exception, the answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative, and the answer to the third part is in the negative.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied from these figures that we are maintaining our maritime superiority?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not think that the hon. Gentleman need entertain any apprehensions. We are making ample provision for the national security.
§ Mr. BYLESHaving regard to the pending arbitration between Great Britain and America could the hon. Gentleman not see his way to decrease the shipbuilding programme?