HC Deb 06 November 1912 vol 43 cc1238-9
5. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked what is the number of German battleships now in full commission, and how many British ships of the same class, and in a similar state of readiness for war, will remain in Home waters after the dispatch of the Third Battle Squadron to the Mediterranean?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The reply is:—

  • 18 German battleships,
  • 19 British battleships,
and two German ("Kaiser" class), and two British ("Conqueror" and "King George V.") undergoing trials. In addition to this, there are the eight battleships of the Fifth Battle Squadron which are available at a few hours' notice manned entirely by active service ratings.

6. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked how many battleships in full commission and in reserve, respectively, are required to complete the new scheme of Fleet organization outlined last March; and how many are now in full commission and in reserve?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The number of battleships required to complete scheme is:—

In full commission … … 6
In reserve … … 6

The number of battleships now in commission is:—

In full commission … … 27
In reserve … … 26

It was not intended originally to complete the scheme before 1915. The progress made is satisfactory and more than was expected.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when his scheme will be completed? Does he anticipate that it will be completed before 1915?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The progress of the scheme will be more rapid than I anticipated when I addressed the House a year ago, but I do not forecast any exact date for the completion of the scheme, which depends, among other things, upon the degree of progress made in the development of the sea-going fleets of other countries.

7. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked how many ships of the "Dreadnought" type have been commissioned for service in the British and German Fleets, respectively, since the beginning of 1910?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The figures for Germany are:—

Battleships 8
Battle cruisers 3
Total 11

The figures for Great Britain are:—

Battleships 9
Battle cruisers 2
Total 11