HC Deb 10 October 1912 vol 42 c506
30. Mr. LEE

asked what will be the relative strengths, in battleships and battle cruisers, of the Home Fleet and the German High Sea Fleet, in full commission, throughout the period during which the Third Battle Squadron and the four battle cruisers of the Home Fleet will be absent in the Mediterranean?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not think it would be desirable for me to commit myself to a public forecast of the number of battleships which a foreign Power will have ready for sea, month by month, during the forthcoming winter. The movements of the British Fleet have been decided on after a full and searching consideration of all the factors which at each period of the year contribute to the balance of naval power.