HC Deb 25 April 1923 vol 163 cc436-9
15. Captain BERKELEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in the case of the United States of America, the number of ships of the "Indiana," "Maryland," and "Constellation," or any later class, actually built and in course of construction; in the case of Japan, the number of ships of the "Kaga," "Owari," and any later class of battleships, and of the "Amagi," or any later class of battle-cruisers actually built and in course of construction; in the case of Great Britain, the number of battleships and battle-cruisers of equivalent or greater tonnage and armament now in commission or in course of construction; and how many capital ships have been scrapped by the three countries mentioned, as well as by France and Italy, in accordance with the Washington Naval Treaty?

Mr. AMERY

As the answer to this question is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Captain BERKELEY

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to state to the House how far the table shows that the recommendations of the Washington Treaty have been carried out by other countries than this?

Mr. AMERY

I would rather have it definitely in writing.

Following is the table:

— Battleships. Battlecruisers. Capital Ships Scrapped.
Built. Under Construction. Built. Under Construction.
Indiana. Maryland. Indiana. Maryland.
United States of America. Nil 1 6 (construction suspended). 3 (1 construction suspended). Nil 6 (4 construction suspended. 2 being broken up. 5 dismantled preparatory to sale.
2 being converted into Aircraft Carriers).
Japan … Nil 2 will be scrapped after being used as targets. Nil 2 will be converted into Aircraft Carriers. 5 have had their main armament removed. 8 have been paid off.
France … — — — — Nil.
Italy … — — — — Nil.
Great Britain Nil 2 Nil Nil 17

16. Captain BERKELEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ocean-going submarines, of 1,500 tons or more, with a surface speed of 20 knots or more and a cruising radius exceeding 5,000 miles, completed, under construction, or projected by the United States of America, France, Japan, and this country, respectively, stating the

— United States of America.
Completed. Under Construction. Projected.
Number … … … Nil 3 6 (but no money voted).
Gun Armament … … 1–5 inch 1–5 inch.
Minelayers included in total Nil Nil.
17. Captain BERKELEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of submarine warships launched in or after 1913 and now in commission or capable of being put into commission, respectively, in each of the following countries: United States of America, France, Japan, Italy, and Great Britain?

primary gun armament in each case and the number of minelayers included in each total?

Mr. AMERY

As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

Mr. AMERY

The numbers in full commission are

United States of America 76
France 41
Japan 43
Italy 43
Great Britain (of which 12 are in reserve) 52
The additional numbers capable of being put into commission are
United States of America 26
Great Britain 7
and the remainder nil.