§ 14. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is to be the tonnage of the new cruiser "Leander," to be commenced at Devonport; and whether he can give any further details of this vessel?
Mr. ALEXANDERI am not at present prepared to give the precise tonnage or other particulars in regard to this ship. In accordance with the terms of the Treaty of London her guns are to be 1275 limited to 6-inch calibre, and it is unlikely she will exceed 7,000 tons standard displacement.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat is the objection to giving the details? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that tonnage is given as a general rule when the Estimates are produced, and when the ships are voted upon?
Mr. ALEXANDERI have given my hon. and gallant Friend the approximate figures, and I think he will know from experience that no Power gives such information as he has asked for now in regard to new vessels at this stage. There is no objection at all to giving the information a little later, and, if the Naval Treaty is ratified, we must notify within a specified period.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not see that the whole situation has been altered by the Naval Treaty? We are all quite frank and candid now, and give to each other all the information that is necessary.