HC Deb 03 February 1937 vol 319 c1583
22. Mr. Alexander

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what orders for new cruisers have been placed in the last two months; what is the tonnage of each ship; and whether they are to have any special characteristics?

Sir S. Hoare

No cruiser contracts have been placed during the last two months, but Portsmouth and Chatham yards have each been directed recently to commence on 15th March next the construction of a cruiser of the new Dido class. The estimated standard displacement of these vessels is about 5,000 tons; their other main characteristics will, in the normal course, be published in future Navy Estimates as the vessels near completion.