HC Deb 16 June 1920 vol 130 cc1231-2
10. Sir F. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what will be the number of capital ships possessed by the British and American Navies mounting 18-inch and 16-inch guns, respectively, in 1925, on the assumption that the present naval programme of the two countries is adhered to; and what will be the respective numbers of ships in the two Navies with a speed of 33¼ knots or more?

Mr. LONG

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows:

Capital ships mounting 18-inch guns.
United States Nil (according to
Great Britain Nil latest official reports).
Capital ships mounting 16-inch guns.
United States 16.
Great Britain Nil.
The answer to the second part of the question is:
Capital Ships.
United States … 6.
Great Britain … Nil.
Light Cruisers.
United States … 10.
Great Britain … Nil.
Destroyers.
United States 266 (approximately).
Great Britain 196, including those now in Special, Reduced, and Reserve Complements; or,
97, not including those in Special, Reduced, and Reserve Complements.

Sir F. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a report of a ship having been built in the United States mounting 18-inch guns, and considering the number of ships being built by the United States with a speed of 33¼ knots, may I ask if he and his advisers will take particular notice of what is being done in the United States in order that the Fleet of this country may be up to that of any other country?

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the recent telegraphic information from the United States that there are ships building with 18-inch guns?

Mr. LONG

Yes. In answer to my hon. and gallant Friend opposite (Sir F. Hall), I can assure him the Admiralty are following these very important developments with the greatest possible closeness, and he may rely upon it that we shall not fail to ask Parliament for the necessary powers if we think we shall otherwise fall behind our proper naval strength. As regards the question asked by my hon. Friend behind me (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke), may I respectfully suggest that he should not assume that telegraphic reports are always based upon facts?