HC Deb 09 December 1912 vol 45 cc16-9
33. Mr. ARTHUR LEE

asked when it is proposed to place the orders for the three first-class armoured ships offered by the Canadian Government; and when it is estimated that they will be completed and ready for commission?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Questions on this subject appear to be premature. The assent of the Dominion Parliament has yet to be given to the measure now before it.

35. Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will assure the House that the gift by Canada of three heavy armoured ships to the British Government will be regarded as over and above the number the Admiralty consider necessary to construct for European waters?

Mr. CHURCHILL

In introducing the Supplementary Estimates on the 22nd July last, I said that it was the wish of the Canadian Government that the aid of Canada should be an addition to the existing British programme, and that any step which Canada might take should directly strengthen the naval forces of the Empire and the margin available for its security. To that I have nothing to add.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it the case that Canada is to be the judge of what is required for Great Britain's naval needs?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is more a matter for argument.

59. Mr. ARTHUR LEE

asked the Prime Minister what conditions, if any, have been attached to the offer of the Canadian Government to provide three first-class armoured ships for the strengthening of the British Fleet; and is it to be understood that these ships will be in addition to the programme for several years ahead already adopted by His Majesty's Government and announced on 22nd July, 1912?

62 and 63. Mr. MARTIN

asked the Prime Minister (1) if the three "Dreadnoughts" to be presented by Canada will have the effect of relieving the British taxpayer in connection with Navy expenditure; and, if so, to what extent; and (2) if his attention has been called to the statement of the Prime Minister of Canada that the conditions disclosed in the Admiralty memorandum were such as rendered it imperative that the effective naval forces of the Empire should be strengthened without delay; and will he explain why the Government hand over that obligation to Canada?

The PRIME MINISTER

Certain arrangements of a general character have been agreed to between the Admiralty and the Dominion Government with regard to the transfer of the Canadian battleships to the Royal Canadian Navy on notice sufficient to allow for their replacement if necessary being given, and with regard to the placing by the Admiralty of orders for some light cruisers in Canada, the training of Canadian Naval Cadets, and other minor and incidental matters. Papers on these subjects will be laid when the Bill now before the Dominion Parliament has received the Royal Assent. As to the second part of the question, it was stated by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty in introducing the Supplementary Estimates in July last, that any ships given by Canada at this juncture would be additional to the forecast of annual construction already announced, and that this was the wish of the Dominion Ministers.

64. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

had given notice to ask the Prime Minister whether in view of the interest felt throughout the country and the British Empire in the emergency contribution to the Navy proposed by the Dominion Government, he will, immediately upon official notification of the assent of the Dominion Parliament to the Right Hon. R. L. Borden's Motion, make a pronouncement to this House and give all its Members an opportunity of expressing their gratitude?

Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

I understand it would be more convenient to answer this question to-morrow, and I therefore postpone it.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I also propose to-postpone a question on the same subject of which I have given private notice.

The PRIME MINISTER

I am very much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. MARTIN

May I point out to the right hon. Gentleman——

Mr. SPEAKER

Observations are not permitted at Question Time.

Mr. MARTIN

On a point of Order. I understood the Prime Minister to say he would answer Questions 62 and 63 along with 59, but he did not answer either of those questions.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member ought to have asked a supplementary question.

Mr. MARTIN

I could not hear very well, and I thought I must have been mistaken. Surely I am entitled to ask those two questions?

The PRIME MINISTER

I thought I had answered them. I gave the best answer I thought desirable under the existing circumstances.