HC Deb 12 March 1924 vol 170 cc2306-9
18. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the designed speeds of the latest types of light cruisers in the United States of America, British, Japanese, French and Italian navies?

Mr. AMMON

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

The reply is as follows:

— — Designed Speed.
British Empire … … Emerald Class (completing) … … 33 knots.
Hawkins Class … … 30 to 30.5 knots.
U.S.A. … … Omaha Class … … 33 knots.
Japan … … 10,000 ton type … … Not definitely known, but believed to be 32 knots.
7,100 ton type … …
Kuma Class … … 33 knots.
Yubari … … 33 knots.
France … … Duguay-Trouin (building) … … 34 knots.
Metz (ex-enemy) … … 28 knots.
Italy … … Marsala … … 28 knots.
Brindisi (ex-Austrian) … … 27 knots.

19. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many cruisers and submarines, respectively, have been added to the Navies of the United States of America, Japan, Great Britain, and France since 1914; what are the totals in each case on the

CRUISERS.
— No. on 1st April, 1914. No. completed since 1st April, 1914. No. removed since 1st April, 1914. No. on the effective list 12th Mar., 1924. No. on the effective list 1st April, 1929.
Great Britain 115 53 120 48 32*
U.S.A. 32 7 10 22 29 10‡
7†
Japan 24 26 13 11 18 28 29 40
2† 10† 11†
France 30 34 5§ 23 11 16 10 19‡
4† 5† 9†
SUBMARINES.
Great Britain 71 186 196 61 31*
U.S.A. 31 93 9 115 122
Japan 13 38 7 42 44 73 79
2║ 6║
France 50 32 42 44 48 63 69¶
10§ 6║
* This number does not include any vessels over 15 years' service in the case of light cruisers, or 10 years in the case of submarines, which it may be necessary to retain on the list for any special purpose. (In calculating the service of British light cruisers and submarines one year's war service counts as two years' normal service.)
† Over 20 years old.
‡ Plus such cruisers that may be authorised and completed.
6 (France) are now Projected but not authorised.
8 (U.S.A.) are now Projected but not authorised.
§ Ex-enemy handed over to France.
║ Over 15 years old.
¶ Plus such S/Ms. that may be authorised and completed.
39 (France) are projected but not authorised.

effective list of each country to-day; and what will be the position in 1929?

Mr. AMMON

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

Following is the reply:

23. Mr. STAMFORD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will furnish particulars showing the number of battleships, battle cruisers, cruisers, light cruisers, and submarines in the fleets of Great Britain, the United States of America, Japan, France and Italy, omitting obsolete ships, and distinguishing ships both built and building in all classes?

Mr. AMMON

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

The reply is as follows:

BUILT.
— Battleships. Battle Cruisers. Cruisers and Lt. Cruisers. Submarines.
British Empire. 18 4 48 61
U.S.A. 18 Nil 29 115
Japan 6 4 28 44
France 9 Nil 16 48
Italy 7 Nil 15 43
BUILDING.
British Empire. 2 Nil 4 7
U.S.A. Nil Nil 3 11
Japan Nil Nil 6* 15†
France Nil Nil 3 9‡
Italy Nil Nil 0§ 0║
* 6 authorised but not yet laid down.
† 20 authorised but not yet laid down.
‡ 12 authorise I but not yet laid down.
§ 2 have been ordered and will be laid down shortly.
║ 4 authorised but not yet laid down.

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