HC Deb 02 June 1913 vol 53 c564
16. Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked how many of the four battle cruisers of the "Invincible" type which he announced in July last would be sent to the Mediterranean during the last winter have been actually sent; and what is the present "Dreadnought" strength of the Triple Alliance in the Mediterranean?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Delays in the completion of the "Princess Royal" and the "Queen Mary," and the temporary absence of the "New Zealand," have somewhat retarded the formation of the Second Battle Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean. The "Inflexible" alone is there at present, the place of her consorts being temporarily filled, and more than filled, by five battleships of the "King Edward VII" class. There are three "Dreadnoughts" belonging to the Powers of the Triple Alliance now in the Mediterranean.

18. Mr. FELL

asked what battleships, cruisers, torpedo boats, and submarines belonging to this country are now in the Mediterranean, not including those stationed at Gibraltar?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The figures desired by the hon. Member are as follows:—Five battleships, one battle cruiser, three cruisers, six light cruisers, ten destroyers, three submarines.