BRITAN’S NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1924, Page 5

BRITAN’S NAVY.

THE POLICY OF LABOUR.

EXPENDITURE REDUCED. CRUISERS NOT ADEQUATE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received March 19, 9.30 p.m. London, March 18. In the House of Commons, in introducing the Naval Estimates, Mr. C. G. Ammon (Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty) emphasised that the reduction of £12,200,000 testified to the observance of the Washington agreement and a desire to reduce armaments. The personnel had been increased a thousand. Only 1400 men would be recruited to man the two battleships and other ships now being constructed, instead of 3200 normally required. The remainder would be obtained from other ships. The progress of the battleships Nelson and Rodney was serfously affected by the boilermakers’ lock-out last year, and it was very doubtful whether the time lost would be regained. It was anticipated that three light cruisers would be completed next financial year, July 4, 1925. Arrangements had been made to maintain an adequate oil reserve for the needs of the fleet.

The cruisers available for the protection of trade were below requirements and the replacement construction of five new cruisers could no longer be delayed, in view of the large number of light cruisers which during a few years would reach the age at which they would no longer be efficient. Out of forty-eight light cruisers in the British Empire ten would be over the efficient age this year, and practically all the remainder were built during dar time for the North Sea, eighteen being unsuitable to operate on long ocean trade routes. By the time the proposed five cruisers were completed eleven of the sixteen now commissioned would have been scrapped or placed on reserve. The Government had closely and earnestly considered the question of the Singapore base, as it involved questions of much wider implication than naval strategy. After fully considering all the relevant facts and consulting the Dominions the Government had decided not to proceed with the scheme. (Loud Ministerial Cheers.)