HC Deb 23 February 1927 vol 202 cc1766-7
25. Sir G. WHELER (for Commander BELLAIRS)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there has been any increase in the Japanese naval programme over and above the one sanctioned at the time our own long-term programme was decided on in July, 1925; and, if so, what is the increase?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

With the exception of four additional destroyers sanctioned in the 1926–27 Estimates, no increase in the Japanese naval pro- gramme, which extends to the year 1928–29, has pet been authorised by the Diet. But a replacement programme, which has been approved by the Cabinet, and is to be brought before the Diet for consideration almost immediately, projects the construction between 1927–28 and 1931–32 of the following vessels additional to those of the programme already approved, namely:

  • 4 cruisers.
  • 15 destroyers.
  • 4 submarines.
  • 3 river gunboats.
  • 1 aircraft carrier.
  • 1 minelayer.