HC Deb 29 March 1933 vol 276 cc983-4
3. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the latest figures of the personnel on the active lists of the American, Japanese, Italian, and British navies; and what percentage increase or decrease such figures show on the personnel of these navies at the commencement of 1914?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The approximate numbers for 1932–33, with the increase or decrease per cent. as compared with 1914, are as follow:

  • U.S.A.—107,300, 60 per cent. increase.
  • Japan—88,000, 74 per cent. increase.
  • Italy—53,000, 32 per cent. increase.
  • British Commonwealth—98,100, 35 per cent. decrease.
In view of differences of organisation as between the several navies concerned, these numbers are not strictly comparable.

Captain MACDONALD

Will these figures be borne in mind on the Continent?

5. Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give figures showing the total active service naval personnel of the British Commonwealth of Nations, United States of North America, France, Italy and Japan, in 1914, 1918 and 1932, respectively?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The approximate figures are as follow:—

— 1914. 1918. 1932–33.
U.S.A. 67,258 503,792 107,300
Japan 50,645 64,122 88,000*
France 69,585 80,000 63,800†
Italy 40,023 127,401 53,000
British Commonwealth of Nations. 152,000 427,000 98,100
* Number as given to League of Nations for July, 1931.
† Includes about 5,590 air personnel paid by Air Ministry.

The figures for the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations are for July-1st August, 1914, for 11th November, 1918, and for 1st January, 1932. These figures indicate in a broad way only the variations in personnel allowed for under the Naval Estimates. They are, however, not strictly comparable owing to differences and changes in the organisations of the various Services.