§ 7. Mr. BECKERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the statements from the United States of America that they are going to build the most powerful Navy in the world by building smaller ships than those specified in the Washington Treaty; and what steps he intends to take to see that this country does not lose its sea supremacy?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)I have seen a report in the Press on this subject. No restriction is placed on the contracting powers as to the number of war vessels they may build in conformity with Articles XI and XII of the Washington Treaty. As regards the latter part of the question, the hon. Member can rely upon the Admiralty to scrutinise carefully the actual building programmes of other Powers with a view to the safeguarding of our naval position.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIn what formula is British sea supremacy now expressed?