SHIPS ON FOREIGN STATIONS.

HC Deb 16 July 1913 vol 55 c1222

6. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked how many British ships of 5,000 tons displacement or over are now in full commission on foreign stations?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There are twelve such ships now abroad, of which three are only temporarily abroad. On the other hand there are two not included which have only returned to England temporarily for manœuvres. I might mention that the standard of tonnage selected just excludes three more ships of the Town Class now serving abroad.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1904 we had thirty-five of these ships on foreign stations, and can he explain the difference?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am very much aware of it. I hope to be able to increase somewhat the number of vessels which we maintain on foreign stations. I shall perhaps next year have a proposal to make in that respect. The reason of the concentration of the Fleet is perfectly well known.