HC Deb 30 June 1930 vol 240 c1606
63. Sir B. FALLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the 155-mm. gun in use in foreign navies is a weapon superior to the six-inch gun in His Majesty's Navy; and if he proposes to introduce an improved six-inch gun in the new programme ships or to accept the inequality?

Mr. PARKINSON

I have been asked to reply. It is recognised that the 155-mm. (6.1-inch gun) is a rather more powerful weapon than a six-inch gun of contemporary date, but it is not necessarily the most suitable gun for the cruisers we are going to build. The six-inch gun to be mounted in the new programme ship is of modern design.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

What are you going to do with the large amount of ammunition which we have for the six-inch guns now? Will it be available?

Sir B. FALLE

Does the hon. Gentleman think it is quite fair to the personnel of the Navy to send them to sea with inferior guns?