§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether His Majesty's Government proposes to employ any warships, or vessels other than warships, to act as patrol ships in outlying stations of the Empire.
§ *THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON,) DundeeThe Admiralty are of opinion that past experience shows that all wants of other departments have been adequately met, but they have expressed their desire to consider any proposals which may in the future be submitted to them by Departments interested in the questions concerned.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)asked whether it was the intention of the Admiralty to employ any ships, other than warships, for the purpose of showing the flag in outlying portions of the British Empire?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONsaid that the Departments referred to were the Colonial Office and Foreign Office, and that the Admiralty were of opinion that all their demands had been properly met.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEEMay I ask whether, if demands for this service are put forward, they will be met by ships of the Royal Navy, or by ships other than of the Royal Navy, merely showing the flag?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThat is under consideration.
§ MR. REMNANT (Finsbury, Holborn)asked whether any proposals had been made to the Admiralty.
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONNot that I am aware of.