HC Deb 08 January 1913 vol 46 cc1162-3
8. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked what was the total increase in the personnel of the German navy made or provided for between 1904–5 and 1912–13; what further addition is provided for in the estimates for 1913–14; what increase has been provided for in the personnel of the British Navy since 1904–5; and what addition is it proposed to make in 1913–14?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The figures asked for by the hon. Member are as follows:—

Germany.
Voted in 1904–5 … … 38,128
Voted in 1912–13 … … 66,783
Increase … … 28,655

A further increase of 6,366 is proposed in the Estimates for 1913–14.

Voted in 1904–5 … … 131,100
Voted in 1912–13 … … 137,500
Increase … … 6,400

The increase for 1913–14 will be announced in due course.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it satisfactory that Germany should have added four times the number of men as Great Britain?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir. I do not see any reason to doubt that the provision which we have made and are making for the manning of the Fleet is not adequate to our needs, having regard to the relative progress of foreign navies.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage of men in the Navy last year was over 1,000?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understood that the view held on the opposite benches was that it was between 5,000 and 20,000.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the statement of the numbers borne upon the Estimates last year the shortage was over 1,000?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman should give notice. The question does not directly arise.