§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty (by private notice) whether he is in a position to make any statement about the Canadian ships?
The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY Mr. Churchill)The situation created by the rejection of the Canadian Naval Aid 1044 Bill requires immediate action, in order that the margins of naval strength necessary for the whole world protection of the British Empire may be adequately maintained for the autumn and winter of 1915, and in the spring of 1916. In these circumstances the Government have determined to advance the construction of the three contract ships of this year's programme, and orders have been issued by the Admiralty, which will ensure their being begun at the earliest possible date, instead of in March next.
§ Mr. LEEWill the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a fuller statement on the Shipbuilding Vote in regard to the programme and the total numbers?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir.