HC Deb 30 November 1911 vol 32 cc584-5
Lord C. BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the approaching completion of the Panama Canal, the Admiralty consider that Jamaica is destined to have a greater strategical value than it has hitherto possessed; and, if so, whether it is intended to develop the resources of Port Royal and place it in the condition of a first-class naval base for the cruisers protecting our trade routes through the canal?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The Noble Lord may rest assured that the Admiralty is devoting close attention to the changes which are likely to follow on the opening of the Panama Canal, so far as they affect naval interests. I am, however, advised that no change of policy is necessary at the present moment.