HC Deb 13 March 1912 vol 35 cc1233-4W
Mr. ASHLEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what new or special programmes of shipbuilding have been proposed or adopted by the principal naval Powers since the publication of the British Navy Estimates for 1911–12?

Mr. CHURCHILL

submitted the following:—

Germany.

1911–12 programme (adopted):—

3 battleships.
1 large cruiser.
2 small cruisers.
12 destroyers.

And £733,855 was voted for submarines.

1912–13 programme (proposed according to the existing Navy Law):—

1 battleship.
1 large cruiser.
2 small cruisers.
12 destroyers.
1 salvage ship for submarines.

And £733,855 for submarines.

Italy.

There is no official information as to any programme having been proposed or adopted beyond two new battleships having been ordered.

Austria-Hungary.

On 10th March, 1911, the following programme of new construction was approved:—

4 battleships (of 20,000 tons).
3 cruisers (of 3,500 tons).
6 destroyers (of 800 tons).
12 High-sea torpedo boats.
6 submarines.

France.

Adopted in February, 1912, a Navy Law prescribing that the composition of the Fleet in January, 1920, shall be:—

Main fleet 28 battleships.
10 scours.
52 destroyers.
Foreign stations 10 vessels.
Submarine defences 94 submarines.
4 mine layera.
(Mine sweepers as necessary.)

An annexe to the Law contains the following building programme for ships above 1,000 tons displacement:—

Battleships. Scouts.
*1910 … … 2 —
*1911 … … 2 —
1912 … … 3 —
1913 … … 2 —
1914 … … 2 —
1915 … … 4 —
1916 … … — —
1917 … … 2 2
1918 … … — —
1919 … … — 2
*Provision for these was made by special legislation.

Russia.

In June, 1911, the following new construction was approved for the Black Sea:—

3 battleships. 6 submarines.
9 destroyers.

United States of America.

Approved for financial year ending 30th June, 1912:—

2 battleships. 1 river gunboat.
8 destroyers. 1 submarine tender.
4 submarines. 2 colliers.

Proposed for 1912–13:—

2 battleships. 2 colliers.