HC Deb 05 May 1937 vol 323 cc1140-1
15. Sir Charles Cayzer

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board of Admiralty have recently reconsidered their decision to lay down the seven small 5,300-ton cruisers of the "Dido" class, in view of the fact that when completed these cruisers would be considerably smaller and slower than the equivalent types now building or projected for foreign navies; and whether, in view of the comparatively small additional cost entailed by such a modification, it is proposed to redesign them as 8,000-ton ships?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir. As was explained by my Noble Friend on 14th April in reply to the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner), the cruisers of the "Dido" class are expected to prove a valuable and effective addition to the Fleet. The Admiralty are satisfied that these vessels are fully capable of performing the duties for which they are designed.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

If the suggestion were adopted would it not cost another £63,500,000?

Sir S. Hoare

It would cost a large sum.