§ 3. Mr. KINGasked whether the battle ship offered by the Federated Malay States will be maintained entirely from funds provided under the Estimates; and, if so, what is the estimated charge per annum for total maintenance, including pay of crew, coal, stores, and repairs?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe annual cost of the maintenance of one of the latest battleships—say, "King George V."—including liability for retired pay and pensions, is £127,000. It does not, however, follow that this charge would be additional to the British Naval Estimates; and it would always be possible to place an older battleship in the Material Reserve should circumstances permit.