HC Deb 02 November 1908 vol 195 c773
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the at mention of the Secretary of State has been called to the statement of Lord Plunket, at Wellington, on 26th September, that the New Zealand Government hoped yet to receive a favourable response to their request that the Home Government would co-operate to enable New Zealand to acquire a vessel for the purpose of giving young New Zealanders a naval training; and whether any steps are being taken by the Colonial Office to satisfy the desire of the Dominion Government.

COLONEL SEELY

The Secretary of State has seen the statement referred to, which was made, I understand, by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, and not by the Governor as at first reported. The Secretary of State is most anxious to facilitate the scheme proposed by the New Zealand Government, and is in communication with the Admiralty on the subject, but I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the Answer given by my right hon. friend the First Lord of the Admiralty in reply to similar Questions put by the hon. Gentleman on the 15th and 22nd of last month.