HC Deb 26 November 1934 vol 295 c497
36. Mr. L. SMITH

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in considering the names to be given to new ships of the Royal Navy, he will bear in mind the possibility of using the names of cities?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The naming of ships of the "M" class of cruisers, which it was originally intended to name after mythological monsters, has recently been under review, and His Majesty the King has approved a proposal that ships of this class should be named after cities. The "Polypemus" and the "Minotaur," the first two ships of the class, which have not yet been christened, will accordingly be renamed the "Southampton" and the "Newcastle," and the three ships of the 1934 programme will be named the "Birmingham," the "Glasgow," and the "Sheffield."

Mr. SMITH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when those vessels will be launched?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

No, Sir.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will my right hon. Friend keep the town of Campbeltown in mind in the naming of the next ship?