The reso

lution.

other hand, there should be any foreign nation which should wish to
encroach upon us, or to invade our naval supremacy, we have so
framed our scheme as to bring into world-wide prominence the
incomparable power of this country and its enormous resources.
(Cheers.) The scheme which I have laid before the House is one
which I do not think all the dockyards of Europe would complete in
the time we propose (hear, hear); and, if there are any nations
abroad who do wish to compete with us in naval armaments, the
mere enunciation of this scheme will show to them the utter futility
of their desire. (Hear, hear.) I am aware that in one instance
I stand at a great disadvantage compared with my predecessor, Lord
Northbrook, when he made similar proposals to Parliament. In that
year, 1885, a great constitutional question had been settled, and the
leaders of both parties of the State were then in conference in order
to give effect to that great change. Now a wide constitutional
difference irreconcilably separates on that particular question the
two great parties of the State. Still, I have noticed with great
satisfaction that right hon. gentlemen opposite, while admitting their
differences with us so far as the methods of the internal government
of the Empire are concerned, have over and over again asserted that,
if
any external question should arise affecting either the safety or
integrity of the Empire, all these differences would to a large extent
be diminished, if they did not vanish altogether. (Hear, hear.)
Therefore, while I do not ask right hon. and hon. gentlemen opposite
to in any way abandon their legitimate rights of criticism which
their administrative knowledge and political position fully entitle
them to make on a scheme of this great magnitude, I feel sure I can
rely upon their approaching this question of national defence from a
broad and patriotic standpoint, and that they will discuss our scheme
upon its merits in a fair and impartial manner. It is in that sense
I have endeavoured to explain the scheme, and it is in that sense, I
trust, the discussion will be continued and the proposals of Her
Majesty's Government considered. (Cheers.)"

The Chairman then read the following resolutions :

"It is expedient that a sum not exceeding £21,500,000 be granted for the purpose of building, arming, equipping, and completing for sea vessels for Her Majesty's Navy; and that it is expedient that a sum not exceeding £10,000,000 be issued out of the Consolidated Fund in seven years ending the 31st of March, 1896; and that a sum not exceeding £11,500,000 be issued out of the moneys to be provided by Parliament for the naval service during the financial years ending the 31st of March, 1894."

RETURNS PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT, GIVING DETAILS OF NEW
PROGRAMME OF NAVAL CONSTRUCTION.

Ships which will be added to Her Majesty's Navy, in the period between
the 1st of April, 1889, and the 1st of April, 1894.

*In addition to the ships above-mentioned, the first class battle ships, Howe and Camperdown, and the belted cruisers, Australia, Galatea, Immortalité, Narcissus, and Aurora; also the second class protected cruisers, Medea and Medusa, will be practically complete by the 31st of March, 1889, with the exception of guns not yet delivered.

II. SHIPS TO BE BUILT UNDER THE NEW PROGRAMME.

III.—ABSTRACT of SHIPS, including those proposed in NEW SHIPBUILDING PROGRAMME, which will be added to HER MAJESTY'S NAVY in the period between 1st of April, 1889, and 1st of April, 1894.

Next as to the cost. This information is supplied in the return obtained on the motion of Lord Randolph Churchill.

RETURNS OBTAINED

RETURN No. 1.

ARRANGED under the following Classes, showing for each Class the NUMBER, the 1st day of January, 1889. 2. STANDARD of STRENGTH of NAVY decided in FIVE YEARS to replace Loss by DEPRECIATION, &c.; and, assuming that NUMBER, TONNAGE, and ESTIMATED COST of the SHIPS to be BUILT