§ 27. Mr. ASHLEYasked what is the number of protected cruisers in the five cruiser squadrons attached to the new Third Fleet; and how many have been launched less than fifteen years and twenty years and over, respectively?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number is at present twenty-five. Of these, five have been launched less than fifteen years, eleven less than twenty years, and nine over twenty years.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these nine ships over twenty years of age are really an effective aid to our battle fleet?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe relative value of ships must depend upon their age and characteristics; and those that are less valuable are placed in the third fleet, and the lower down the list in the squadrons they come in the third fleet, the less is their value for the purposes of war.