§ Mr. PAGETasked 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- 23 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 MINISTERI dealt fully with this matter in a speech in this House on May 26th, 1909, to which I must refer the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LEEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of withdrawing the two-Power standard altogether?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is not a suggestion that ought to be put across the floor of the House.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWhat is now the standard?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Gentleman will have the courtesy to read my speech of 26th May, 1909, the whole matter was thoroughly gone into.
§ Lord HUGH CECILWill the right hon. Gentleman reprint the speech and lay it on the Table?