HC Deb 28 February 1912 vol 34 cc1344-5
Mr. ASHLEY

asked whether the ships of the "Dreadnought" type firing in the gunlayers' test of 1910 scored on an average 1.68 hits per gun, while those which fired in 1911 scored only 1.33 hits; and whether there is any explanation to account for this 20 per cent. decline in efficiency?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that the correct figures show an apparent falling off of 7 per cent., which is easily accounted for by the fact that the ships, as a whole, fired under less favourable weather conditions in 1911 than in 1910.

Mp. ASHLEY

Were the unfavourable weather conditions spread over the whole face of the globe?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The weather conditions were unfavourable for the fleets as a whole to an extent sufficient to cover the 7 per cent. deterioration.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with that 7 per cent.?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I hope we will never rest satisfied with anything on this side of perfection.