BRITISH ECONOMIES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 83, 18 January 1928, Page 5

BRITISH ECONOMIES

CRUISER CONSTRUCTION. ONLY TWO SHIPS THIS YEAR. ARMY ESTIMATES REDUCED. (Per Press Association—Copj'ight.) (Received This Day, 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, January 17. The Government has decided, in reference to further cruiser construction, that instead of tlnee 8000-ton ships being laid down in 1928-29, only two will be laid down, saving £5,500,000. It is understood that the Army Estimates save nearly £1,000,000.

A London cablegram dated November 23 stated: A high-placed official states that it may be taken for granted that 'Lord Cushendei), at the League Pre 7 paratory Committee meeting on November 30, will, if naval disarmament crops up, most strictly adhere to Mr Bndgeman's speech at Geneva laying down Britain's irreducible needs m cruisers for protecting the Empire's trade routes. Her deferring of the construction of two 10,000-ton ships in the present year is no sign of a weakening of policy, but merely gives the United States a chance to build a parity if she desires. Meanwhile Britain will not neglect the adequate provision of 6000-ton vessels, fast and well armed, for trade routes. If there are indications of over-fondness for 10,000ton ships elsewhere, Britain's resources can quickly be marshalled to provide an answer.

BRITISH ADMIRALTY. REPORT ON REDUCTIONS. (Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, January 17. Substantial reductions in the Admiralty staff can be made without impairing the Navy's efficiency, declares a select committee on the Estimates. The committee pointed out that while the personnel of the Navy decreased from 151,000 in 1914 to 102,275, and the number of ships in commission or reserve from 619 to 394, the* Admiralty staff was increased from 1900 to 3026. Sir Oswyn Murray, Permanent Secretary to the Admiralty, in reply, says that the Navy, though smaller, is very much more complicated. The labour en>tailed in making a contented navy and in the elaboration of equipment of modern ships of war was beyond all comparison greater than in 1914. .

ADMIRALTY EXTRAVAGANCE. SPECIALISED WORK PLEADED. (A.P.A. and "Sun" Cables.) (Received This Day, 1.20 0.m.) LONDON, January 17. The Select Committee scathingly indicates the Admiralty's extravagance. It points out in 1914 the staff consisted of 1900 officers and civilians, but is now 3026, though the Navy's personnel has decreased from 151,000 to 102,257 and the ships in commission or on reserve from 618 to 394. The Admiralty claimed that more specialised complex work justified the increase.