§ Mr. ASHLEYasked, taking the financial years 1910–11 and 1911–12 together, what were the total sums voted for the construction of submarines for the British and German Navies respectively?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe figures asked for are:—
| Great Britain | … | … | £1,174,252 |
| Germany | … | … | 1,467,710 |
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhat steps has the right hon. Gentleman taken in this year's Estimates to redress this considerable disparity?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should like to have an opportunity of dealing with that when the Estimates are discussed, but I may say that the British lead in submarines is very largo indeed, and there is no item of the naval programme on which our position could possibly be more satisfactory.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESCould the right hon. Gentleman give similar figures for Italy, France, and the United States?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI could with the greatest precision if notice were given.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESWould it not be desirable in questions of this character to compare with all the naval Powers rather than with one particular Power?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have to frame the answers to the questions. If the figures for the other naval Powers were compared and not shirked, it would materially affect the significance of the figures.
§ Sir W. MENZIESIs it desirable that these comparisons should be made publicly?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is for the House to say.