§ 31. Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the sinking of the German fleet, the programme of naval construction for this year will be modified?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. W. Long)No, Sir. Our new Construction Programme for 1919–20 had already been reduced to within pretty narrow limits.
§ Captain BENNHad the construction for 1920 taken into account the possible sinking of the German fleet? Is that what the right hon. Gentleman means?
§ Mr. LONGNo, Sir; that has not been taken into consideration. What has been taken into consideration is that there was no chance of the German fleet being restored to Germany. It has not been calculated as possible enemies, but as a possible addition to the fleets of the Allies.