HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 c1954W
Sir R. GOWER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of warships on the effective list on 31st March, 1914, and 31st March, 1934, respectively?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to warships belonging to members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The numbers are as follow :

—— 31 March, 1914. 31 March, 1934.
Battleships 59 12
Battle Cruisers 9 3
Cruisers 109 50
Cruiser Minelayer — 1
Aircraft Carriers — 6 (a)
Destroyer 208 152 (b)
Torpedo Boats 106 —
Submarines 71 52
Sloops and Minesweepers (57 in 1934) and Torpedo vessels (14 in 1914) are not included.
(a) Not including Ark Royal and Albatross (Seaplane Carriers).
(b) Including 18 Flotilla Leaders.