HC Deb 29 April 1897 vol 48 c1270

That appears to show that I have a sum of £1,569,000 to dispose of. But I am afraid I have a, disappointment in store for those who may anticipate that this can be applied to the reduction of taxation. [Ironical Opposition cheers.] The Committee will remember that the original Army and Navy Estimates for the present year were practically identical with those of the preceding year. They were properly so framed at the time. But circumstances have changed. My right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, when introducing the Navy Estimates, said that, if any abnormal programmes were actually put into execution which would seem to disturb the general amount of naval power belonging to different countries, Her Majesty's Government would think it their duty to reconsider their position as to the condition of the naval defences of the country. [Cheers.] The additional expenditure proposed elsewhere since my right hon. Friend made this statement has been very carefully considered, and Her Majesty's Government have decided, in conformity with, the policy announced by my right hon. Friend, that an addition of half a million should be made to the Navy Estimates. [Cheers.] A Supplementary Vote for this amount will be proposed, and the mode in which the sum will be appropriated will be explained by the First Lord of the Admiralty on the Shipbuilding Vote. But it must be clearly understood that a special addition like this to the expenditure on new construction in one year does not necessarily fix the normal expenditure for future years. Therefore I have to provide on that score, for £500,000.