HC Deb 19 June 1912 vol 39 cc1675-6

The 1911–12 programme provided for four armoured ships and two small cruisers. All were laid down before the end of the financial year.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is it not rather a warning to this country that all the German ships were laid down in the current financial year, while there was delay in the case of many of the ships on the programme of Great Britain?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I very carefully looked into the margin since it was known that a large portion of our construction was somewhat in arrear, and I am glad to be able to assure the House that the margins which I indicated when I addressed the House on the Estimates are fully maintained in spite of the fact that there was some delay.

Mr. ASHLEY

May we hope that in future these ships defined for a certain year will be laid down in that year?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think we must be guided by circumstances. At any rate, they must all be laid down in time to be ready at the periods for which they are intended.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Whenever ships are laid down, can the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that they will be completed within the contract period?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is somewhat a matter for the contractors, but I will give a guarantee to do my best to have them ready when they are wanted.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman get from the contractors that guarantee?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I should not like to go into the varying terms of the contracts which are being made at present by the Admiralty.