HC Deb 29 July 1910 vol 19 cc2653-4W
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty had any information as to the ordering of the two battleships sanctioned for the United States this year; and, if so, when they were laid down and where they are being built?

Mr. McKENNA

The Navy Department of the United States have not yet called for tenders for the two battleships sanctioned this year. It is not expected that the contracts will be placed before December.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether a battleship for Brazil has recently been commenced as the yard of Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co., Elswick; and, if so, when was she laid down, and what are her principal characteristics?

Mr. McKENNA

The keel of a battleship for Brazil was laid down by Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co., in February last at Elswick. Since then work has been suspended, and it is understood the design of the ship is about to be changed, but there is no information as to what the change is to be.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked when the "Espana" and "Alfonso III." were laid down at Ferrol; and whether he has any information as to the intention to proceed with the "Jaime I.," the third battleship of the class?

Mr. McKENNA

The keel of the "Espana" was laid on 5th December, 1909, and of the "Alfonso Tréce" on 23rd February, 1910. The "Jaime Primero" is not to be ready until 1916. There has been no direct information as to the Spanish Government's intention to proceed with this vessel, but her construction has been authorised and contracted for.

Mr. YERBURGH

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty received official information to the effect shat two "Dreadnoughts" are being constructed by the Stabilimento Tecnico at Trieste; whether almost all the Austrian warships are constructed by the Stabilimento Tecnico; and whether he has received any information to the effect that two other "Dreadnoughts" are to be laid down by Austria next year?

Mr. McKENNA

I have received no official information to the effect that two "Dreadnoughts" are being constructed by the Stabilimento Tecnico at Trieste, where the greater number of Austro-Hungarian war vessels are built. I have received no information to the effect that two other "Dreadnoughts" are to ha laid down by Austria-Hungary next year, beyond Press reports.