HC Deb 15 July 1914 vol 64 cc1889-90
2. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the admitted necessity that we should remain the independent guardians of our own important interests in the Mediterranean, he will state the material standard which is aimed at by the Board in determining our naval requirements in those waters?

Mr. CHURCHILL

In introducing the Estimates for this year, I stated the actual naval strength to which we proposed to work in the Mediterranean, and I indicated that this was based on a variety of considerations, some of which belong to the domain of State policy. I am not prepared, in answer to a question, to discuss those considerations.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to maintain the one-Power standard in the Mediterranean?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not prepared in answer to questions to enter into these difficult questions about standards.