§ Lord BALCARRES (for Mr. Ashley)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Argentine, Chile, China, and Turkey are about to embark on a programme involving the construction of a considerable number of armoured ships; and, if so, whether any steps are being taken to assist British builders to secure a share of these orders?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The Foreign Office are aware that the Governments of Argentine and Chile are contemplating the construction of a number of armoured ships, and that a Commission of Inquiry has been recently despatched to this country by the Chinese Government to study the question of naval construction. As regards Turkey, we are not aware that any definite proposals have been drawn up. All proper assistance is afforded to British firms in such cases.