§ 22. Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what will be the destroyer strength of the British, American, and Japanese Navies in 1919; and what the position is to-day, eliminating in each case destroyers considered to be worn out or obsolete?
§ Mr. AMMONOn the basis that the useful life of a destroyer is 12 years, and that in the case of British destroyers one year's war service is equal to two years' peace service, the destroyer strengths on the 4th June, 1924, are
On the assumption that existing programmes authorised and projected will be completed, and taking no account of possible future programmes, the destroyer strengths on the 1st April, 1929, will be
British Empire … 197 United States of America … 279 Japan … 74
British Empire … 119 United States of America … 262 Japan … 82
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNIs the formula of one year's war service equalling years' peace service applied to the strengths of all countries named in the hon. Gentleman's reply?
§ Mr. AMMONThe answer I gave was as far as the British Empire was concerned. We are unable to answer for other countries.
§ Captain BENNWhat is the value of the comparison if you have artificial standards for British ships?
§ Mr. AMMONThe value of the comparison must be quite simple, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give it a moment's reflection. No other Navy did the same service as our Navy during the War.
§ Mr. HOPE SIMPSONDid not the American Navy do any service?