HC Deb 07 December 1931 vol 260 cc1517-8
54. Sir F. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the estimated tonnage of a battleship similar to the German battleship "Deutschland," but fitted with engines of the normal weight of mercantile motor engines of modern con- struction of 120 pounds for every horse power developed; and if he can say whether regard was had to the advantages derived from the special design of machinery installed in this type of ship when the Washington Treaty was negotiated?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)

Mercantile motor engines are unsuitable for use in warships of the type referred to, and no useful purpose would therefore be served by working out details of a ship designed to carry them. As the engines referred to were not designed until some time after the Washington Conference, it is improbable that any advantages which they possess were discussed on that occasion.

Sir F. HALL

Is not that an extraordinary answer to give? Is it not a fact that the "Deutschland" is being engined in the manner to which I have referred; and are the Admiralty keeping the matter in view? Would not a considerable saving be effected by the installation of engines of this kind?

Lord STANLEY

Considerable progress has been made in that direction in regard to other vessels. There is no desire at the moment to instal these engines in the larger warships because we believe that steam-driven machinery is more reliable and more suitable for hard wear. Inquiries, however, are going on the whole time, and experiments are being made.

Sir F. HALL

If I put a question on these lines on the re-assembly of the House, will the noble Lord be able to give more information on what is apparently a most important fact with regard to tonnage?

Mr. ROSS

Is it not a fact that this was limited by the Treaty of Versailles and not by the Washington Treaty at all?