HC Deb 18 February 1914 vol 58 cc921-4
2. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there have been any developments abroad in the last six months leading the Board to alter its view that after the beginning of 1916 the Empire will be three battleships short of its absolutely required strength owing to the rejection of the Canadian Naval Aid Bill; and, if not, what ships are proposed to meet the shortage which will exist from that time onward?

10. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)

asked what was the date by which it was originally anticipated that the ships to be contributed by Canada for the Navy would be available for service; what would have been the total number of battleships and cruisers at that time if the Canadian Parliament had agreed to the proposed arrangements; what will be the probable number of such ships available at the date in question; and if, in view of his statements as to the importance of these vessels for Imperial purposes, he will state what steps will be taken to remedy the shortage or the reasons which now make it unnecessary to replace the Canadian ships?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not propose to anticipate the full statement which it will be my duty to make to the House when the Estimates are presented.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Has the right hon. Gentleman altered his view that without the three Canadian ships we shall have three ships short in 1916 with the acceleration in other programmes?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not propose to anticipate the full statement which it will be my duty to make to the House when the Estimates are presented.

Mr. F. HALL

May I ask whether the House is to attribute the vagueness of the right hon. Gentleman's reply to the statement made recently by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to newspaper reporters?

3. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked whether the shipbuilding programmes outlined in the House in 1912 and 1913 specifically excluded such ships as it might be necessary to build in consequence of new developments in the Mediterranean; whether both Italy and Austria have decided to begin work this year upon new programmes involving in each case the construction of four additional battleships; and what action it is proposed to take to meet these new developments?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot anticipate the statement which it will be my duty to make to the House when the Estimates are presented.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

May I again supplement my question by asking the right hon. Gentleman if he still recognises the necessity of meeting the increased programme of Italy and Austria by increasing our own programme?

4. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Germany will possess twenty-eight completed "Dreadnoughts" in 1917; whether, in that case, forty-two British vessels of that type will be required to give us the minimum superiority of three to two in Home waters which he has stated to be necessary; and what is the total number of British "Dreadnoughts" built, building, and provided for, available for service both in Home waters and the Mediterranean?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the second part would appear to be a simple arithmetical calculation; and the third part cannot be answered until the number of ships in the British 1914–15 programme has been announced to Parliament.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, after the Spring of 1917, we shall only have three "Dreadnoughts" in the Mediterranean to meet the ten of Austria and Italy?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It really would not be, I think, for the convenience of the House nor for the advantage of this subject generally, which has to be very fully discussed, if we were to deal with these matters by question and answer across the House at Question time, nor do I propose to do so unless the House should intimate so to me in some very decisive manner.

Mr. LEE

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to try and expedite the laying of the Dickinson lleturn in order that when this matter is discussed we may have before us the official and up-to-date information with regard to the strength of the different Fleets, which at the present we have not?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The Dickinson Return was only asked for yesterday and it is in an advanced state of preparation, if not, indeed, completed, and it will be laid as soon as we possibly can.

Mr. LEE

May I press the matter? In past years we have not had it before the Estimates are produced, and would the right hon. Gentleman endeavour this year to allow us to have it before the Navy Estimates of the year are produced?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I hope it will be laid very soon indeed.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

May I ask when he proposes to make his Navy Statement?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The question in regard to business must be addressed to the Leader of the House.