§ 60. Mr. CHURCHILLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the approximate difference in the cost of equipping a 35,000-ton battleship with 14-inch or 16-inch guns; and what are the respective weights of broadside for nine-gun ships in each case?
§ Sir S. HOAREMy right hon. Friend will appreciate that, other things being equal, a 35,000-ton battleship could mount more 14-inch than 16-inch guns, but, without working out the designs in detail so as to ascertain the numbers of guns in each case, the approximate difference in full building costs cannot be given. It may be accepted, however, that, on the basis of a, nine-gun ship, the adoption of 16-inch in lieu of 14-inch guns would involve an increased armament cost of about £300,000. It is not in the public interest to disclose the actual weights of broadsides, but the relative weights of broadside of the same number of 14-inch and 16-inch guns are in the proportion of 1 to 1.5.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLDoes the £300,000 include reserve guns and the necessary ammunition?
§ Sir S. HOAREI should like the right hon. Gentleman to put that question down, and I will see if I can give him the information.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERWould any reduction in the number of rounds carried be involved; and would any loss of speed to the ship be involved?
§ Sir S. HOAREThat again is a separate question, and the hon. and gallant Member had better put it down.