§ 4. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked whether all the German armoured ships of the 1911–12 programme have now been launched; how many British armoured vessels of the corresponding programme are still on the stocks; and when it is expected that the last of these will be launched?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe reply as regards German ships is Yes. As regards British ships, the two dockyard vessels, "Iron Duke" and "Marlborough," were launched in October last. The three contract ships, "Benbow," "Delhi," and "Tiger," have not yet been launched, but it is anticipated that the first will be launched in September and the two last-named in October of this year.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMORECan the right hon. Gentleman explain the extraordinary delay in launching these vessels which were placed on the Estimates twenty-eight months ago?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret the delay. Every step that the Admiralty can take to accelerate the completion of these vessels has been and will be taken.
§ Mr. LEEDoes the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that the date of the completion will be very materially delayed, and, if so, to what extent?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo. In regard to the "Delhi" in particular the date of the launch must not be taken as indicating the date of completion. She will be launched very heavy indeed. I cannot give a date as to the "Tiger."
§ 5. Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many armoured ships, cruisers, and destroyers have been completed for the British and German navies, respectively, from the 1st January, 1911, to the present time?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe figures asked for are as follows:—
§ Great Britain: Nine battleships, four battle cruisers, ten light cruisers, fifty-one destroyers.
§ Germany: Seven battleships, four battle cruisers, seven light cruisers, forty destroyers.
§ The British figures do not include vessels belonging to the Royal Australian Navy.