HC Deb 27 February 1924 vol 170 cc454-5
19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the numbers of light cruisers built and actually building, respectively, and less than 12 years old, belonging to the British Empire, France, Japan, and the United States of America; and how many of these are in full commission?

Mr. AMMON

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

The reply is as follows:

21. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can supply information as to the number of battleships, battle-cruisers, cruisers, torpedo-boats, and torpedo-boat destroyers at present on the effective list

— Battleships. Battle cruisers. Cruisers (including light cruisers). Destroyers (including flotilla leaders). Torpedo boats.
British Empire 18 4 48 201 Nil
France 9 Nil 16 56 11
Italy 7 Nil 15 63 71
26. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the latest known figures with regard to the light cruiser strength of the British, American, Japanese, and French Navies, classifying the cruisers into those suitable for Fleet work and those suitable for commerce, destruction, and protection?

Mr. AMMON

The number of cruisers and light cruisers is as follows:

British Empire … 48
United States of America … 29
Japan … 28
France … 16
All the cruisers, British and foreign, may be considered suitable for general Fleet work under conditions of limited radius. All the foreign cruisers are suitable for commerce destruction, and 20 of the British are suitable for commerce protection.