HC Deb 28 May 1930 vol 239 cc1275-7
16. Major ROSS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the displacement, speed, and number and calibre of guns in the latest type of destroyer leader building in France; and whether it is proposed to construct in this country vessels of equal power of this class?

Mr. ALEXANDER

The latest type of flotilla leader building in France has a displacement of 2,440 tons, a designed speed of 36 knots, and carries the following guns, namely:

  • Five 5.5 inch.
  • One 3-inch anti-aircraft.
  • Four 1-pounder anti-aircraft.
Under Part III of the London Naval Treaty any vessels we might construct of equal power to the above would come within the definition of cruisers. Actually all the cruisers built, building or projected by this country are of greater power than the French flotilla leaders.

Major ROSS

Is it not the fact that we are in the position either of using our inadequate cruiser replacement tonnage for destroyers, or that our destroyer leaders must be inferior in several particulars to those of the French?

Mr. ALEXANDER

It is not easy to debate this matter at Question Time. The whole matter turns upon allocation of tonnage by those Powers who adhere to the global system of tonnage instead of by categories.

17. Major ROSS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the anticipated number of destroyer leaders of France and the British Empire, respectively, in 1933?

Mr. ALEXANDER

Excluding the programmes of the year 1930, the numbers, are as follow:

  • France—24.
  • British Commonwealth of Nations—16.

Major ROSS

Are we not by the Treaty in a position of definite and permanent inferiority in this class of vessel as regards numbers as well as type?

Mr. ALEXANDER

No. As I have already indicated, they are not ships which are strictly comparable. The so-called flotilla leader of France is really a small cruiser, and will be dealt with under the terms of my last supplementary answer.

Major ROSS

Are we not restricted as to the number of cruisers—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister has already answered that question.

Commander Sir BOLTON EYRES MONSELL

May I call your attention. Mr. Speaker, to the fact that there are only 64 questions on the Paper, and we find it very difficult to get any information about this Naval Treaty?

Mr. SPEAKER

The number of questions on the Paper does not justify me in allowing any more supplementaries.

18. Major ROSS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the anticipated number and total tonnage of submarines under 13 years old of France and the British Empire, respectively, in 1933?

Mr. ALEXANDER

Excluding the programmes of the year 1930, the numbers are as follow:

  • France—73, making a total of 68,631 tons.
  • British Commonwealth of Nations—32, making a total of 41,269 tons.

Major ROSS

Does the right hon. Gentleman view with equanimity this 100 per cent. superiority of France in that class of vessel?

Mr. ALEXANDER

With no more equanimity than the late Government, who allowed the situation to arise.

Major ROSS

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to advise that further construction beyond that provided for by the Treaty should be envisaged?

Mr. ALEXANDER

The replacement programme is under the consideration of the Government, and I am quite sure that we shall deal with it in a scientific manner.

Captain P. MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that a new situation has arisen and that, as a result, France will have a superiority in submarines?

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any communications from the Dominions on this subject?