HC Deb 25 March 1914 vol 60 cc349-50
7. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he adheres to the statement made by him last year that the three ships provisionally promised by the Canadian Government as a contribution to the Imperial Navy were absolutely necessary for whole world defence; in what respect, if any, the circumstances which justified the statement at the time have altered since; and whether, had the Canadian Parliament endorsed the proposed contribution, the Naval Estimates for next year would have contained provision for the same number of ships as in fact estimated for?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have nothing to add to the full statement I made to the House on Tuesday, the 17th March.

Mr. F. HALL

Is the House to understand that these ships are necessary?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have nothing to add to the full statement which I made on Tuesday, the 17th March.

Mr. F. HALL

On an important matter like this, can I not ask the First Lord of the Admiralty to give a definite reply to, my question?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have nothing to add to the full statement which I made on Tuesday, the 17th March.