Between one fifth and one sixth of the entire sum voted to the Naval Estimates by the British Government for the financial year 1896-1897 was devoted to the construction of torpedo boat destroyers. The cost of each vessel was estimated to be between 60,000 and 70,000 pounds sterling. The speed aimed for was 30 knots, and in some cases 33 knots was asked or, and there were at least three builders that were confident of being able to undertake the task.