HC Deb 09 June 1937 vol 324 cc1742-3
17. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what duties it is proposed to assign to the "Dido3" class cruisers?

Mr. Cooper

The "Dido" class are intended to serve as small fleet cruisers.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will there not be great difficulty in assigning duties for these cruisers, in view of the fact that they will be inferior in both speed and armament to the ships of a similar type that are being built for foreign Powers?

Mr. Cooper

As my noble Friend the late Parliamentary Secretary informed the hon. and gallant Member not long ago, it is considered that these cruisers are perfectly well fitted for the duties which they are designed to carry out.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Are they to be specially fitted with the new antiaircraft guns? Are they to be used specially for anti-aircraft defence of the Fleet?

Mr. Cooper

They are to he used for anti-aircraft defence of the Fleet amongst other purposes. As to any other detail, I shall be glad to inform the right hon. Gentleman if he will put down a question.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty gave no information at all as to what these cruisers were to be called upon to perform?

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