THE BRITISH NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1922, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 24. In the House of Commons, in the discussion on the navy vote, Admiral Sueter declared that there was no justifica'tion for large estimates. If we had a Zeppelin or torpedo aircraft on the morning after the Jutland battle we would have got every enemy ship. Thus, owing to our Admiralty’s stupidity, we were deprived of t)ie full fruits of victory. .He questioned the wisdom of building battleships. They could leave the safety of the Empire’in the hands of submarines and airmen, with light cruisers and destroyers. Mr. Emery agreed as to the value of aircraft, but contended that, even in peace time, Britain eould not run the risk of being weaker than any other Power with whom she might come to be at war. It was necessary not to be hopelessly inferior in the type of vessel which was still the kernel and pivot of the naval battle. The navy they were keeping in active commission was the smallest they could afford io maintain from the viewpoint of the national position and trade. The vote was passed