NAVAL ESTIMATES

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18332, 16 March 1925, Page 9

NAVAL ESTIMATES

INCREASE IN MONEY AND MEN.

£250,000 FOR SINGAPORE. (BT CABLE —PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPTRIOHT.'* (renter's TELEGRAMS.) LONDON, March 13. The Navy Estimates for 1925-2G amount to £60,500,000, an increase of £4,700,000, compared with the current year. The figure does not include provision for new construction, which is nowbeing considered, but provides for the completion of the cruisers Effingham, Emerald and Enterprise, and the submarines L 26 and L 27. The construction of the battleships Kodney and Nelson and Jive cruisers of the Kent class, a minelayer, two destroyers, and one submarine will bo further advanced. The Admiralty is greatly interested in the development of airships, in view of their possible valuo for naval reconnaissance. The Admiralty, in concert with the Air Ministry, is studying tho design of mooring masts in ships, which is an important development, and if successful will enhanco the valuo of airships for naval purposes, reduco base expenditure, and render bases mobile. Tho personnel of tho fleet is 102,000, an increaso of 2175. Tho Estimates provide for the resumption of work and the development of tho naval base at Singapore, which is emphasised as a vital link in tho chain of communications with tho British Dominions in tho Pacific. Tho statement of tho First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr W. C. Bridgcman) says that tho reasons advanced by the lato Government for suspending the Singapore scheme have been examined by hia Majesty's present advisers and found unconvincing. (Received March 15th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 1-1. The Navy Estimates reveal that £75,000 has been spent to date on the Singapore naval base and £250,000 is being voted ■ this year, leaving £9,089,000 required to complete the work. On the oil and fuel store there has been spent up to the present £872,000 and £144,430 is being voted this year, leaving £188,700 required to complete tho installation.