§ 20. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the technical advances in aircraft and other modern weapons of war and the high cost of the building and maintenance of the largest types of surface war vessels, any new inquiry into the question of the most efficient and economical size of warships is to be undertaken?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe question of the most efficient and economical size of warships is continuously under review by the Admiralty. The factors mentioned are amongst those carefully considered in this connection. No special inquiry is contemplated.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that the present attitude of the Board is that 35,000 tons—the size put forward, I understand, at the Naval Conference—is the most economical size?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo. I thought the hon. and gallant Member would be aware that, as a matter of fact, this country put forward a much smaller tonnage figure than 35,000 tons.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThen why did we agree to 35,000 tons?