HC Deb 03 May 1911 vol 25 cc410-2
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked on what date it is proposed to launch the battleship-cruiser "Australia"; why this vessel and the "New Zealand" have been so long upon the stocks, and the contract time for their construction from the date of order to delivery?

Mr. McKENNA

The "Australia" will probably be launched about the third week in October next. The contract period from date of order to date of delivery of the "New Zealand" and "Australia" is thirty months. The length of time these vessels will have been on the stocks is a matter in which the Admiralty do not interfere with the discretion of the shipbuilders, so long as there is a reasonable probability of the vessels being delivered by the contract dates, as is the case with these ships.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked if the four armoured ships of the German 1910–11 programme and the United States battleships "New York" and "Texas" have yet been laid down; and, if so, upon what dates; and when it is anticipated they will be completed?

Mr. McKENNA

With regard to the German ships, I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on the 14th February. The "Texas" was laid down during February last. We have no information regarding the date of the laying down of the "New York," but it is understood that the vessel will be laid down shortly. The time for completing these ships is thirty-six months from the date of commencement.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when the orders were given for these ships?

Mr. McKENNA

The contracts were given out at the beginning of the financial year. I cannot give any information beyond that which I have already stated.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether the two-year period of construction in regard to the battleships "Ajax" and "Audacious" and the battleship-cruiser "Queen Mary" is reckoned from the date of order or from the day the first keel-plate was laid; when the order for these three ships was placed; and when it is anticipated that they will be delivered to the Admiralty?

Mr. McKENNA

The two-year period of construction is reckoned practically from the date of order and not from the date of laying the first keel-plate, as will be seen from the following dates:—

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty has any knowledge as to the mounting of guns of 14-in. calibre in any German battleships building or ordered; and, if so, to which programme these ships belong?

Mr. McKENNA

We have no official information as to the mounting of 14-in. calibre guns in any German warships.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, officially or unofficially, that there is a 14-inch gun in construction in Germany?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not in a position to give any but official information.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether, now that the first of the class has commenced her trials, he can state the displacement, designed horse-power, speed, and armament of the German battleships "Ostfriesland," "Helgoland," "Thuringen," and "Oldenburg"; and whether he can give similar details of the battleship-cruisers "Moltke" and "Goeben."

Mr. McKENNA

We have no official information regarding these vessels of the nature asked for.