§ MR. ALDEN (Middlesex, Tottenham)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that Germany, following the example of England, has decided largely to increase her Navy, he will, in accordance with his expressed opinions on the subject by the simultaneous reduction of armament by negotiations with Foreign Powers, take the first opportunity of approaching the German Government in furtherance of this desirable object.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPerhaps my hon. friend the Member for East Finsbury will allow me to answer his Question at the same time.† I assume that the increase of the German Navy depends upon the view which the German Government take of the needs of their Empire and commerce generally. I have openly expressed my opinion in favour of a general reduction of armaments, and I can assure my hon. friend that no favourable opportunity will be lost of facilitating that result.