HC Deb 27 April 1909 vol 4 cc183-4
Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

asked the Prime Minister, whether it is the policy of the Government to take into consideration the Navy of the United States of America when estimating the number of ships necessary to maintain the two-Power standard? I must protest respectfully that the right hon. Gentleman, having asked me to postpone this question on two ocoasions to suit his convenience, is not here to-day to answer it himself.

Mr. McKENNA

My right hon. Friend is extremely sorry, but he is detained on other business, and he has asked me to answer for him. This is an academic question, as, under existing conditions, the Navy of the United States of America, for the practical purposes of the two-Power standard as defined in my right hon. Friend's speech on the Navy Estimates, would not enter into the account.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Is it a fact that the United States are not brought into account because they have no "Dreadnoughts"?

Mr. McKENNA

No.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

Arising out of that, as I consider unsatisfactory reply—

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. Member is not entitled to reflect upon the answer.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

I withdraw. I beg to give notice that at an early date I will call the attention of the House to the conflicting expressions of opinion of various Members of the Government on this vital question of naval defence.

Mr. C. BELLAIRS

If the United States is one of the two next strongest navies in the world will it be included under these conditions?

Mr. McKENNA

That is a hypothetical question to be answered when the circumstances arise.

Mr. BELLAIRS

Is it not a matter of dispute as to whether the United States is not the second Navy in the world at this moment?

Mr. McKENNA

For the purposes set out in my right hon. Friend's statement on the Navy Estimates the United States would not be regarded as the second Power.

Mr. BELLAIRS

Was it not specifically stated in this House on 12th and 23rd November, and again on 17th December, that the two-Power standard applies to the next two strongest Powers, and is not this statement a violation of that pledge?

Mr. McKENNA

My right hon. Friend has defined explicitly, in his speech upon the Navy Estimates, how we constitute the two-Power standard.