§ *MR. KING (Cheshire, Knutsford)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the calamity which has deprived a neighbouring State of one of its first-class battleships, he proposes to reconsider the new construction programme for the British Navy for the year 1907–8.
§ MR. LAMBERTNo, Sir.
§ *MR. KINGHave the Admiralty taken into consideration the fact that the upholders in this House of the pure doctrine of the two-Power standard have repeatedly urged that in estimating the value of that standard no regard must be paid to the circumstance that the relations of this country with one of the Powers concerned may be of the most cordial character?
§ MR. LAMBERTEvery consideration was taken into account by the Admiralty in deciding on the shipbuilding programme.