HC Deb 25 November 1912 vol 44 cc817-8
80. Mr. YERBURGH

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has information to the effect that Austria is to lay down next year three additional ships of the "Dreadnought" type, to be completed in 1915; and whether these additions to her fleet will provide her with seven ships of the "Dreadnought" type in that year?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)

There is no official information to this effect.

Mr. YERBURGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he told the House on 22nd July last that information had then reached the Admiralty which pointed to the fact that the increased programmes of Austria and other Powers constituted a new fact which would be entirely outside his plan of new construction?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, I am fully-aware of everything I have said on the subject, and I frequently refresh my memory.

Mr. YERBURGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been publicly stated in the Press that three extra Austrian "Dreadnoughts" have been sanctioned. I should like to ask how it is that the Admiralty are not in a position—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should put these questions down.