OIL FUEL FOR THE NAVY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15820, 19 July 1913, Page 9

OIL FUEL FOR THE NAVY

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright,

LONDON, July 17. In the House of Commons Mr Churchill stated there were now built and building 100 oil-fuel destroyers and five battleships. The use of oil as an auxiliary to coal would continue 06 tho main basis. In the battle line the use of oil increased the ship's active radius by -40 per cent., and permitting the designing of vessels of equal fighting power, but lesser dimensions and at smaller cost. The Admiralty intended becoming an independent owner or controller of its own oil supply, and was making a contract with the Mexican Eagle Company, in whioh his naval colleagues were not interested in shares, nor were the funds of the Liberal party invested therein. He knew of nothing to make it necessary to add to the construction programme, and he did not think anything was likely to occur in the autumn in the Mediterranean to necessitate an advance of construction.

July 18. (Received July 18, at 10.45 p.m.)

Mr Churchill added that fast light cruisers were essentially part of our tactical construction, and could not be satisfactorily constructed on a coal-burning basis inasmuch as they would have to be greatly increased in length and displacement, or there would be a loss of three to four knots in speed.

Referring to the oil question, he 6aid that wl. .t was wanted was a steady supply at a steady price.

Dealing with Canadian battleships he said-that unless the gap was filled the Empire would be short by three ships from the end of 1915 onwards. They might have laid down-three extra, but this step might not be taken till it was necessary. The Admiralty meanwhile hid decided to accelerate three "Ships of the 1913 programme. The Canadian situation would have defined itself by 1914, and the Admiralty would be better able to judge whether further acceleration or a direct addition to the programme was necessary.

Mr Churchill in reply to Mr Lee, that there had been considerable discussion with Austria and Italy regarding the new programmes, but there had been no change justifying fresh measures on our part:

Mr Lee argued that to carry out the Government's pledges given in March six. more ships should be ready by 1916.

The majority of the speakers approved of the Admiralty's policy regarding oil supplies.

(Received July 18, at 11.20 p.m.)

Mr Churchill announced that two rigid airships were projected, and also six nonrigid ships, besides additional seaplanes.