§ 52. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister if any communication has been made by the British Government to America and to Japan to secure cooperation in a reduction of naval armaments and a cessation of competitive warship building?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to questions by the hon. Member for Frome (Mr Hurd) and the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on the 24th ultimo.
§ Mr. LAMBERTHas the Government made any representations to the United States and Japan with regard to a cessation of warship building. Is my right hon. Friend aware that the present expenditure on armaments in this country is inflicting a ruinous cost upon industry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI agree that the cost of armaments is very terrifying, 2074 whether we look at the cost to individual nations or in the aggregate, but my hon. Friend knows you have to approach questions of this kind with a great deal o£ tact and judgment. If there is any attempt made to rush it I do not think the object we have in view is likely to be achieved.