§ 45 and 62. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the fact that the ships must be laid down under the Washington Treaty by 31st December next, and in order to maintain the one-Power standard, he can now state whether the orders for the two new battleships have been given out;
(2) whether he is aware that two of the Powers who signed the Washington 2362 Treaty have not as yet ratified it. and show no inclination to do so; that the British Empire alone has scrapped all the ships specified in the Treaty except H.M.S. "Lion"; that at the present moment the British Empire stands third among the Powers of the world at sea in capital ships; that Parliament is pledged to maintain a one-Power standard; whether he can state what steps His Majesty's Government intends to take in view of this situation; and whether an opportunity can be given to discuss the naval situation before the House rises?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt has been decided to lay down the? two ships referred to. As regards Question No. 62, it is not possible to deal with the subject raised by question and answer, and I regret that I cannot arrange for a discussion of it before the House rises.
Captain BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the financial commitment of this country involved in his reply?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall require notice of that question.
§ Mr. HOGGESeeing that the right hon. Gentleman cannot give time for discussion before we rise, will the work on the ships actually be begun before we have a discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes. As the House knows, this subject was decided both by the House and by the late Government. We have reconsidered it, and think that we have no option but to proceed.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a new House, that he has formed a new Government, and is the House not to have an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhen the subject is discussed, the hon. Member will find that it was not possible to delay it beyond this year.