§ 103. Mr. Keelingasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the number of battleships in the U.S. Navy is being reduced to two; and whether it is intended to reduce the number in the British Navy to the same figure.
Mr. DugdaleThe hon. Member appears to have been misinformed regarding the battleship strength of the United States Navy. The position is that the United States Navy is retaining in active commission three battleships in the Atlantic, 237W and one in the Pacific. Many more battleships are being maintained in reserve. On 31st December, 1946, the Royal Navy's battleship strength will have been reduced to two in active commission. Three other battleships with specially reduced complement will be employed as harbour training ships, while four battleships and a battle cruiser will be retained in reserve.