HC Deb 30 July 1914 vol 65 cc1534-5
3. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the objects and conditions of the Imperial Ottoman Docks, Arsenals, and Naval Construction Company; and whether the British Ambassador in Constantinople has taken any part in furthering the formation of this company?

Sir E. GREY

As I stated on the 5th of March, I am informed that the Turkish Government have granted a concession to a combination of the firms of Armstrong and Vickers for the organisation and reconstruction of the existing dockyards at Constantinople. This agreement was the result of private negotiations between the Turkish Government and the firms interested in which His Majesty's Government had no participation.

46. Mr. KING

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Sir Charles L. Ottley, late secretary of the Imperial Defence Committee, is a director of the Imperial Ottoman Docks, Arsenals, and Naval Construction Company, and that this company has been formed for the building and repair of the warships of a foreign Power; and whether he will take steps to provide that any servant of the Crown holding a position of the character held recently by Sir Charles L. Ottley shall be debarred on relinquishing his post from entering, directly or indirectly, the service of a foreign Power?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave on this subject on 20th March, 1912, and 9th January, 1913.

Mr. KING

Will the Prime Minister reconsider this matter in view of recent developments on the Continent of Europe?

The PRIME MINISTER

These questions are always engaging my consideration.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Is he an ex-admiral of the Royal Navy drawing pension, and is not his position as a pensioner rather inconsistent?

The PRIME MINISTER

I require notice of that.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

I beg to ask the Prime Minister question No. 47.

The PRIME MINISTER

That question has been answered by my hon. Friend, as arranged through the usual channels.