§ Earl WINTERTONasked what is the number of men which will have to be lent to the Commonwealth Government to carry out the agreement made with Australia; and whether it is intended to increase the personnel to make good the loss incurred by the Imperial Navy?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is premature to make any statement on the subject. The questions discussed at the recent Conference are still under the consideration of the Commonwealth and other Dominion Governments concerned. I may say, however, that the noble Lord is in error in assuming that under the arrangement there will be any loss incurred by the Imperial Navy.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs it a fact that the Imperial Navy is going to lend 2,000 men?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, sir, no such figure, as I am aware of. If it were true, they would not entail a loss in the personnel of the Imperial Navy. We have a larger number of men already on the Australian station at the present time.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYAre they to be diminished on the Australian station, or will they be replaced by colonials?
§ Mr. McKENNAI cannot discuss the question at the present time. The Australian command does not imply there will be any loss in the Imperial personnel.
Sir GILBERT PARKERWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate the time this agreement is to come before the Australian Commonwealth Parliament?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, I am unable to give any information without notice.