§ 20. Mr. PETOasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the policy indicated in Mr. Borden's speech in the Canadian Parliament on the 4th instant of placing Admiralty orders for small vessels for the Imperial Navy with Canadian shipyards, when they are able to undertake them, in spite of paying some share of the extra cost over and above the cost of constructing similar vessels in this country, he will bring Admiralty practice into line with this policy by ceasing to provide boots for the Navy with uppers 433 made of German box-calf leather in order to effect a saving of 2¼d. per pair?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think this question is very happily conceived. It is my duty to facilitate by every legitimate means in my power the participation of the Oversea Dominions of the Crown in the duty of Imperial defence. I do not see what need there is at the present moment to connect this policy with that of buying boots for the Navy, which has been often dealt with by my right hon. Friend, and can be discussed at any time on the Navy Estimates.