HC Deb 20 March 1911 vol 23 cc22-3
Mr. PAGET

asked the Prime Minister, whether he adheres to his statement in this House on 23rd November, 1908, that, in accepting the two-Power standard to mean a preponderance of 10 per cent. over the combined strength of the two next strongest Powers, he meant under all cir- cumstances then foreseeable the two next strongest Powers, whatever they may be and wherever they may be situated; and, if not, what circumstances have arisen since then to cause him to change the meaning he attaches to the words the two next strongest Powers?

The PRIME MINISTER

I dealt fully with this matter in a speech in this House on May 26th, 1909, to which I must refer the hon. Member.

Mr. LEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of withdrawing the two-Power standard altogether?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not a suggestion that ought to be put across the floor of the House.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

What is now the standard?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the hon. Gentleman will have the courtesy to read my speech of 26th May, 1909, the whole matter was thoroughly gone into.

Lord HUGH CECIL

Will the right hon. Gentleman reprint the speech and lay it on the Table?