§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many armoured ships of the British and German programmes for 1910–11 have been launched, and how many are still on the stocks?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe four armoured ships of the German programme for 1910–11 have been launched, and there are therefore none still on the stocks. Four armoured ships of the British programme for 1910–11 (exclusive of the "New Zealand" building for the British Navy at the charge of the New Zealand Government) have been launched, and one is still on the stocks.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked when orders were placed for the armoured cruisers of the German programme for 1912–13, and when it is anticipated that orders will be placed for the corresponding British ships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere is no official information as to the date of placing the order for the battle cruiser of the German 1912–13 programme; but it has been stated in the German Press towards the end of April that the order has been placed subject to the sanction of the Reichstag. The dates for laying down the ships of the British programme for 1912–13 are now under consideration.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREIs the right hon. Gentleman in favour of our lagging behind the Germans in placing orders for ships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOur general practice is to lay these ships down late in the year.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREDoes the right hon. Gentleman approve of that when the Germans lay them down early in the year?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think our procedure meets all our needs.