§ 46. Sir REGINALD POLE - CAREWasked the Prime Minister whether he can guarantee that no serious change will be made in the disposition and strength of the Fleet in the Mediterranean which obtained before the right hon. Gentleman's recent visit until this House has had an opportunity of considering and discussing the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I cannot fetter the discretion of the Admiralty from day to day whatever dispositions of the Fleet may best conduce to the safety of the country.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is of great importance to the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo one is more aware of it than I am. I am most anxious that it should be fully discussed.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWCannot the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot give any answer beyond that I have already given. There will be a full opportunity of discussing the whole matter when we take the Shipbuilding Vote early in July.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEDo I understand that this opportunity will arise before the change takes place or afterwards?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt depends upon what you mean by change.
§ The PRIME MINISTERBefore any permanent change takes place, no doubt.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHas not the right hon. Gentleman now stated the date when the Shipbuilding Vote will be taken, although he has twice told me that he cannot give a date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI repeated exactly what I said last week, that the Vote will be taken soon after the first week in July.