HC Deb 08 February 1939 vol 343 cc948-9
75. Mr. Day

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of completed destroyers in the British and Dominion Navies which were available as at the last convenient date, and the number of these destroyers that were laid down after 21st December, 1920 which have passed the age limit of 16 years?

Mr. Shakespeare

170 completed destroyers were available in the Navies of this country and the Dominions on the first of this month. None of the vessels included in this number which were laid down after 21st December, 1920, has passed the age limit of 16 years.

Mr. Day

Are any negotiations taking place between nations for the purpose of extending this age limit?

Mr. Shakespeare

The question of overage and under-age tonnage is governed by the London Naval Treaty.