58. Mr. F. HALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if there has been such a retardation or reduction in German naval construction since 1912 as to justify the large and fully proportioned reductions in shipbuilding by this country, as was promised by him when introducing the Navy Estimates of 1912; and, if not, whether there has been any increase in the German construction programme beyond that which the Admiralty had in view when framing the 1912 Estimates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere has been no retardation or reduction in German naval construction. Since the introduction of the British Navy Estimates on the 18th of March, 1912, the German naval construction programme has, by the Fleet Law Amendment Act of the 14th of June, 1912, 333 been increased by three battleships and two small cruisers. Of these, one battleship is provided for in the 1913 programme and one in that for 1916. The date of laying down of the third battleship and two small cruisers has been reserved.
Mr. F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the facts as stated by him have been contradicted by the President of the National Liberal Association?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe must not anticipate the interesting discussions which we will no doubt have on these subjects this Session.