§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many armoured ships were under construction for the British and German Fleets respectively on 31st March, 1904, and how many on the same date in the present year?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe figures asked for are:—Great Britain: On 31st March, 1904, twenty-one (excluding "Swiftsure" and "Triumph"); on 31st March, 1911, fourteen. Germany: On 31st March, 1904, eight; on 31st March, 1911, twelve.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand that if we exclude the two ships which are being constructed our ships and those of Germany which are being constructed are on an equality?
§ Mr. McKENNA:No; the hon. Member wishes to draw an inference which contains a fallacy. The hon. Member must remember that the British ships only take twenty-four months to build and the German ships thirty-six to forty, and, consequently, the fact that the same number are building does not mean that the two countries are only making the same naval preparations.
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many completed battleships of 10,000 tons and over, and not more than ten years launched there were in the British and German navies, respectively, on 31st March, 1904; and what are the corresponding figures for the same date this year?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe figures asked for are: Great Britain.—On 31st March, 1904, 30; on 31st March, 1911, 24. Germany.—On 31st March, 1904, 10, on 31st:March. 1911, 18.