11. Mr. Alexanderasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, to allay public anxiety, he will make a statement on the respective strengths of the British fleet and foreign fleets in the 8-inch-gun cruiser class, showing in particular whether the British ships of this class are efficient ships in respect of gun-fire, armour and speed?
§ Sir S. HoareThe numbers of 8-inch cruisers at present completed or building by the British Commonwealth of Nations and foreign Powers are as follow:
| British Commonwealth | 15 |
| United States of America | 18 |
| Japan | 12 |
| France and Italy | 7 each |
| Germany | 3 |
§ For details concerning the size and armament of these vessels I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Command Paper "Fleets," the 1937 edition of which will shortly be published. I am glad, however, to take this opportunity of saying that there is no warrant for assertions which have recently appeared in the Press that our ships in this category are outclassed.