§ 10. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Australian Government has now taken a final decision with reference to the construction of cruisers; whether these cruisers will be equal in speed, gun-power and displacement to the five cruisers now building; and whether, in view of this decision of the Australian Government, it is proposed to modify in any way the Naval programme of the Government?
§ Mr. AMMONHis Majesty's Government have no information as to the present position regarding the proposal of the Commonwealth Government to construct two cruisers. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 2nd April to the hon. Member for Westbury.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that these two cruisers are in substitution of two ships which are well over 50 years of age, coal burning and of very inferior speed?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that these two cruisers are to be laid down or are they not, and if they are laid down are they not in addition to our five?
§ Mr. AMMONThe answer to both these supplementary questions is that this is a matter for the Australian Government, and we have no definite information.