§ 45. Rear-Admiral ADAIRasked the Lord Privy Seal when it is intended to bring Votes 8, 9, and 12 of the Navy Estimates forward for discussion in Committee?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt would not be convenient for the House—and it is the convenience of the House which guides me in such matters—to allocate Supply Days far in advance, and I am, therefore, not yet in a position to name a day for a resumed discussion on the Naval Estimates.
§ Rear-Admiral ADAIRWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Resolutions of the Imperial Conference in respect of the Imperial Navy will be laid before this House before the Votes are brought on?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot say. That depends upon two factors, both of which are indeterminate—the time when the Imperial Conference comes to a decision, and the time when the Votes are taken.
§ Rear-Admiral ADAIRCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this question of a real Imperial Navy is being thoroughly discussed by the Imperial Conference?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe question of military, naval, and air defence, in its relation to the Empire, is one of the subjects proposed to be discussed by the Conference.
§ Mr. LAMBERTMay we take it that Votes 8, 9, and 12 will be discussed before the end of the Session?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not quite sure how many allotted days there are left; but there are some allotted days for supply, and if these Votes are asked for on one of those days that will be done.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs it fair to the House when we want to discuss all these Naval Estimates, which are extremely import- 1793 ant, that it should depend upon the will of two right hon. Gentlemen as to whether there is a discussion or not?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend and I do our best to meet the wishes of the House. It always has been customary to leave the chief say in deciding what Votes should be taken to the party or parties in opposition. That is probably the arrangement which best serves the interests of the House.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay we have a voice in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am glad to hear that my hon. Friend dissociates himself from the parties in opposition.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs it not right, in deciding as to the discussion of these great Imperial questions, that the party which represents the great majority should have a choice in saying what is to be discussed?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not that the party which is in opposition to-day?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs far as I am informed of the practice of the House, I am sure that what my hon. and learned Friend has referred to is one of the factors which are taken into account by those who arrange these matters.