§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many battleships have been launched for the British and German Navies, respectively, from and including 1908 to the present time?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer is: Germany, thirteen battleships; Great Britain, thirteen battleships. I may add that four German battle cruisers have also been launched during the same period, and five British battle cruisers, including the "New Zealand." The battle cruiser "Australia," being built for the Australian Government, has also been launched within the period mentioned.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that that statement is consistent with maintaining the two-Power standard?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. Member should take a full and comprehensive view of the whole field before he makes a statement of that kind.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREDoes the right hon. Gentleman affirm that he is maintaining the standard?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf the examination is confined to this, the hon. Member has not taken a comprehensive view of our naval strength.