§ 15. Captain Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Committee of Imperial Defence was consulted prior to the withdrawal of the squadron from the south-east coast of America; and how it is proposed that the duties previously carried out by this squadron shall be discharged?
§ Mr. AMERYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the Admiralty will endeavour, whenever necessity arise, to arrange for a ship or ships from one of the other stations to visit South American waters.
§ Viscount CURZONDo I understand that the Committee of Imperial Defence was not consulted at all before this change was made in the disposition of ships? Is it not the practice of the Admiralty to consult that Committee before such changes are made?
§ Mr. AMERYNo; I do not think the Committee of Imperial Defence is consulted upon disposition, but it is consulted on great fundamental questions.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs not the important question whether the War Staff concurred in this change? I presume they did?