HC Deb 09 November 1927 vol 210 cc171-3
1. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many vessels of war and of what type are now under construction for the Royal Navy; and how many vessels of war and of what type have been completed during the last 12 months?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

The following vessels are under construction for the Royal Navy:

  • 1 Battleship.
  • 12 Cruisers.
  • 4 River gunboats.
  • 6 Submarines.
  • 2 Minesweepers (ordered but not yet laid down).
  • 1 Submarine depot ship and
  • 1 Repair ship.
The following vessels have been completed during the last 12 months:
  • 1 Battleship.
  • 2 Destroyers.
  • 1 Minelayer and
  • 1 Submarine.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask, first of all, which is the battleship? As I understand it, the "Nelson" and the "Rodney" are both completed.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The "Nelson" is completed now and the "Rodney" will be completed in a very short time.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the construction of the three cruisers, which were to have been laid down this year, has been held up or delayed?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The cruisers in this year's programme have not been laid down.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask why?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That matter is under consideration at the present moment. I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman himself asked a question not long ago as to whether the effect of the Conference at Geneva might not be such as to make it desirable not to proceed with the construction of one or two of these cruisers. That is a matter which is now receiving consideration.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Then the right hon. Gentleman has followed my advice.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I do not think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman gave me any advice. I know that he made some criticisms.

Mr. LOOKER

How many of the gunboats which were built for China have proceeded there, and is it proposed to add to their number?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think notice should be given of that Question.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

When these ships are being laid down, will consideration be given to the Clyde dockyards so far as giving out the work is concerned?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

We try to distribute the work as fairly as we can, but of course we have first to consider the Royal Dockyards.

Forward to