§ 63. Mr. HUNTasked whether, in view of the fact that we shall have twenty-nine ships of the "Dreadnought" type on the 1st April, 1914, and that Germany will have twenty-one, and that two or three of our-ships will or may be away in Colonial or foreign oceans, and in view of the fact that, in addition to these, four of our ships will be in the Mediterranean and one at Gibraltar, and that as, according to his own statement, 25 to 30 per cent. of our ships would not be available for immediate war at our average moment, the First Lord of the Admiralty can say what would be the number of our ships ready for immediate war in Home waters at our average moment, and what would be the number of German ships ready for immediate war at Germany's selected moment, on the 1st April, 1914?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThese discussions can be more satisfactorily conducted when the Estimates are being debated by the House.
§ Mr. HUNTIs it the fact that according to the right hon. Gentleman's own statement we shall have a smaller number of "Dreadnoughts" ready for immediate war for the defence of the country against invasion than the Germans will have for attack on 1st April, 1914?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo; it is not the fact, nor anything approaching the fact, but I prefer to defer a general discussion of the Navy until we have a proper debate.
§ Mr. HUNTIn view of that answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment on Tuesday.
§ 67. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked what, according to their present programme, will be the completed strength of the German Navy in ships of the "Dreadnought" type in April, 1916; and what number of British ships will then be required to maintain the standard of superiority outlined on 18th March last?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe total number of German "Dreadnoughts" (including battle cruisers) on the date mentioned is computed at twenty-six. The British total, including the "New Zealand," the "Australia," and the two "Lord Nelsons," but excluding the "Malaya" and any vessels provided by Canada, will then be forty-three. Thus the standard of superiority referred to by the hon. Member will be maintained if the programmes announced to Parliament last year are carried out.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREWill it not be necessary for the right hon. Gentleman to lay down eight battleships this year in order to maintain a 60 per cent. margin?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, not on the basis I have stated. The figures indicated by me last year will suffice.
§ 68. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the total number of completed destroyers in the British and German Fleets, respectively; and how many in each case have been launched fifteen years or more?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLGreat Britain has 183 completed destroyers, of which forty-nine have been launched fifteen years and upwards. Germany has 124 completed destroyers, of which one has been launched fifteen years.