13. Lieut.-Commander KEN WORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what information he has with regard to the warship building programme of Japan; how many capital ships are under construction; and what is the proposed displacement, speed, and armament of these ships?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)From time to time the public Press has provided the following information. The Japanese programme of construction extends to the financial year 1927–28 inclusive. The residue remaining to be completed on 18th January, 1921, was:—
Five capital ships were under construction on 18th January, 1921. Their displacement, speed and armament are reported in the Press as follow:—
Battleships 7 Battle Cruisers 8 Cruisers of 7,000 tons and over 4 Light Cruisers of under 7,000 tons 22 — 26 Destroyers of 1,000 tons and over 36 Destroyers of under 1,000 tons 34 — 70 River Gunboats 5 Submarines Not known. Auxiliaries Several. One ship: 33,800 tons, 23 knots, eight 16-inch guns and eight torpedo tubes. Two ships: 40,600 tons, 23 knots, eight or ten 16-inch guns and eight torpedo tubes. Two ships: 43,600 tons, 33 knots, eight 16-inch guns and eight torpedo tubes.