HC Deb 18 February 1914 vol 58 cc925-6
11. Mr. F. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the statement by the Secretary of State for the Navy in the Budget Committee of the German Reichstag, on the 4th February, to the effect that no positive proposals had yet been made to Germany by Great Britain for a reduction in naval construction, but that if such proposals were made they would assuredly be examined in a spirit of goodwill; and if he will state what was the nature of the suggestions made to Germany in this matter, in what form they were conveyed, and when?

Mr. CHURCHILL

This subject is not suited for discussion by question and answer. It will be dealt with either by me or by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as fully as the public interest allows during the Debates on Naval Estimates.

Mr. LEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman then be in position to give us an accurate report of what did actually take place in the Reichstag, or could he tell us where an accurate report can be found, as there has been a difference of opinion about it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper about that. I would rather not give an answer on the spur of the moment.