§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many completed protected cruisers not launched' more than twelve years there were in the British and German fleets, respectively, on 31st March, 1904, and 31st March, 1911?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe figures asked for are as follows:—
On 31st March, 1904: British … … 48 German … … 18 On 31st March, 1911: British … … 24 German … … 24
§ The number of British cruisers quoted for the latter date includes three of the "Boadicea" class and eight scouts.
§ Mr. BUTCHERDoes not the Navy List give the number as twenty-seven, instead of twenty-four, as stated by the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. and learned Member will give me the page of the Navy List ho refers to I shall be happy to look the matter up, but there is no such distinction drawn in the Navy List as to the number of cruisers under twelve years on 31st May, 1911.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand the scouts are included in these figures?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have included eight, scouts among the protected cruisers.
§ Mr. ASHLEYHow many protected cruisers were there on 31st March, 1911?
§ Mr. McKENNATwenty-four. There were three of the "Boadicea" class and. eight scouts.
§ Mr. ASHLEYThen Germany had twice as many protected cruisers as this country.
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. The hon. Gentleman has selected arbitrary dates and an arbitrary term of years. But if he will take the total of our protected cruisers and compare them with the number of German cruisers he will find we have a great preponderance both in numbers and strength.