§ 26. Major ROSSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to lay down the 6-inch gunned cruisers of the 1933 programme; and when is it expected that they will be completed?
Mr. ALEXANDERIt would be premature at the present time to attempt to forecast particulars in regard to the naval programme for which Parliament will be asked to vote supplies in 1933. I may say that the period that would be required for the building of a 6-inch gun cruiser of the "Leander" type is estimated to be 21½ years from the date of order.
§ Major ROSSDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the urgency of getting new 6-inch gunned cruisers completed quickly?
Mr. ALEXANDERI am sure that we appreciate that much more than the last Government, which did not lay down any.