§ 17. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that in the opinion of the Government the three Canadian "Dreadnoughts" are not additional to the whole- 565 world requirements of the British Empire, it is proposed, in the event of any delay in laying down these ships, to introduce Supplementary Estimates providing for the commencement of three additional vessels in the current year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe new situation which has arisen requires and will receive the attention of the Government.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIf these three vessels are not commenced this year, will not the Navy fall below the requirements of the Empire?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSir, I cannot add anything at present to the answer which I have given to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. A. LEECan the right hon. Gentleman give us an idea when he is likely to be able to make his statement upon this very vital question?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not like to commit myself, but I should hope that during the present month the point which is raised in this question will be the subject of a statement from this bench.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman produce Supplementary Estimates dealing with this question?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe cannot go into the method of carrying out a policy which, as I have said, has yet to receive the attention of the Government.