§ 18. Sir E. BEAUCHAMPasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the number of Dreadnought battleships and battle cruisers we had on the 31st December, 1918, and the number building, with the probable date of their completion?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo Dreadnought battleships were building on 31st December, 1918. Four Dreadnought battle cruisers were building on that date, of which three were in very early stages of construction. The construction of these three has since been abandoned, and the slips of which they were being built are being rendered free for merchant ship construction. The estimated date of completion of the "Hood," the one capital ship now under construction, is November, 1919. On the 31st December we had thirty-three Dreadnought battleships and nine Dreadnought battle cruisers, all of which were in commission with the exception of one battleship and one battle cruiser.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any capital ships will be laid down this year?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANot so far as I know, but the point might be put during the Debate
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEI will put it in the Debate.