§ 52. Mr. Chorltonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present position in numbers, etc., of the high-speed motor-torpedo boats, also a comparison with the speed of similar boats in other navies; whether any of these craft are fitted or will be fitted with heavy oil-engines, and, if so, will the design and manufacture be of this country; and what is the estimated total number of boats that will be available by the end of the year?
Mr. CooperIn addition to a number of experimental boats, three flotillas of six boats each have been authorised. The first flotilla has been successfully completed and is now on passage to Malta. 865 The second flotilla is well on its way to completion, and the third flotilla will be ordered shortly. In sea-keeping qualities, endurance and speed, these boats, it is believed, compare favourably with those of the same type belonging to other navies. They are not fitted with heavy oil engines, but the development of such an engine is being actively pursued and is in the hands of a British engineering firm.
§ Mr. ChorltonWhat is the number that we have in comparison with the Mediterranean Powers?