HC Deb 14 April 1937 vol 322 cc987-8
18. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total number of British, United States of America, Japanese, French, Italian, and German cruisers, respectively, built and building, each of which carries more than six 6-inch guns?

20. Mr. Donner

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state, separately, the total number of British, United States of America, Japanese, French, Italian, and German cruisers, built and building, each of which carries not more than six 6-inch guns?

Lord Stanley

As regards the foreign cruisers, I am unable to add anything to the information contained in the Command Paper "Fleets"; and as regards our own, it would be undesirable to give any additional details.

Mr. Donner

Would the Noble Lord indicate whether the "Dido" class of cruiser is built with any specific purpose or objective, in view of the fact that other nations are not building cruisers with so small a proportion of guns?

Lord Stanley

My hon. Friend will, of course, realise that we do not necessarily build ships to follow the example of other countries; we build them for our own needs. Cruisers of this kind will have a very useful purpose.

Mr. Thorne

Does the Noble Lord not think that the Germans and Italians know all that is going on in this country just as we know what is going on in Germany and Italy?

Lord Stanley

I could not agree to that.

Mr. Mander

Is it worth while putting these guns into British ships, if they are not allowed to fire them?

Mr. Thurtle

Will the Noble Lord appeal to his hon. Friends to have regard to the national interests before putting questions of this kind?

19. Mr. Donner

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in order to allay public anxiety, he will make a statement in regard to the striking power and effectiveness of the "Dido" class of cruisers in relation to the gun-power, armour, and range of the cruisers at present built or building by the principal naval Powers?

Lord Stanley

The Admiralty are satisfied that the cruisers of the "Dido" class will prove a valuable and effective addition to the Fleet. I must not, however, be drawn into a premature disclosure of their design and armament.