§ 15. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total numbers of British and American cruisers in 1914 and 1928; and the number of British and American post-war 10,000-ton cruisers built, building, or proposed to be built?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)In 1914 the total number of cruisers was British 112, United States 35, whilst to-day the position is British 51, United States 32. Included in the latter figures are seven postwar 10,000-ton cruisers of the British Empire. No 10,000-ton cruisers have been completed by the United States of America. In addition there are building six of this type for the British Empire and eight for the United States of America. Proposals for building further ships of the type are still under consideration in both countries. By the White Paper of July, 1925, the British Programme includes three further 10,000-ton cruisers, whilst in the United States a Bill is before the Senate for laying down five ships of this type in each of the years 1929, 1930, and 1931.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre all these battleships being built in our own dockyards?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo Sir, not all of them. I presume the hon. Member is referring to the Royal Dockyards. Some of these warships are being built there, and some in other yards in this country.