HC Deb 21 February 1924 vol 169 cc1970-3
Mr. LUMLEY

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to the acceleration of the construction of cruisers and other vessels?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

On a point of Order. I have had this question down every week this Session, the last occasion being yesterday, and I was asked to put it down again next Tuesday.

Commander BELLAIRS

May I submit that it is absolutely immaterial to the House whether hon. Members have certain questions down, because, on a question of public interest, we want the information as soon as possible?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Ammon)

I think that if the hon. Member for Barrow (Mr. D. G. Somerville) will consult his Front Bench, he will find that I made every effort to get in touch with him this morning, in order to give him the opportunity of raising this matter, having regard to the fact that he has shown so much interest in it.

The Government have decided, in view of the serious unemployment, to proceed with the laying down of five cruisers—three of which will be built in the Royal Dockyards—and two destroyers. Tenders will be invited at once from contractors, so that it will be possible to proceed with the work as soon as the necessary Parliamentary sanction has been given.

Mr. AMERY

Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what decision has been taken with regard to the submarine depot ship, the minelayers, and the other items of the programme which I submitted to the House a month ago?

Mr. AMMON

No decision has yet been arrived at with regard to those items.

Mr. PERCY HARRIS

Are we to understand that these boats are actually needed urgently for the defence of the country? Would it not be better to use the money in something more productive?

Mr. THURTLE

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, would he inform the House whether or not this decision is to be taken as a great moral gesture to the world?

Mr. AMERY

Arising out of the answer to my supplementary question, are we to understand that no decision has yet been taken against the building of the other items in that programme, but that they are still under consideration?

Mr. AMMON

The right hon. Gentleman may understand that the matter is still under consideration.

Sir A. BENN

May I ask if a cruiser is going to be put down at Devonport?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Are we to understand that this decision is final, and that the House is to have no opportunity of discussing it? Does the hon. Gentleman intend to allow the House to have any voice in this question?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it proposed to start these cruisers without asking the House for the money first?

Mr. DOYLE

Apart from the statement which the hon. Gentleman has just made in regard to the dockyards, is it proposed that any of that work should come to the Tyne?

Mr. SOMERVILLE

With regard to the original reply, which is unsatisfactory, is it not the fact that the original programme was eight, whereas only five are going to be built, and, if so, how is Barrow going to get a cruiser in competition?

Mr. AMERY

In view of the urgency of the unemployment situation, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman proposes to submit a token Vote to the House in the immediate future, without waiting for the introduction of the Navy Estimates?

Mr. AMMON

I do not think that that will be necessary. The tenders will be invited at once.

Mr. HUDSON

Will the hon. Gentleman take into account that when these cruisers are laid down, if they are laid down, it will lead to the laying down of further cruisers in foreign countries, and by that means lead to a possible catastrophe, which will create more unemployment than ever?

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the hon. Gentleman clearly give us a decision that these tenders will not be accepted until the approval of the House of Commons has been given?

Mr. AMMON

In answer to the question of the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Hudson), it should be understood that these are largely replacements, and not additions to our naval armaments. The other matter will arise in the ordinary way on the Estimates.

Mr. PRINGLE

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment, of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the decision of the Government to lay down five new cruisers."

The pleasure of the House not having been, signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and, not fewer than Forty Members having accordingly risen,

The Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter past Eight this evening.

HON. MEMBERS

Divide!

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has the necessary number of supporters, and accordingly the discussion will take place at a quarter past eight.

HON. MEMBERS

Divide!

Mr. SPEAKER

If an hon. Member obtain the requisite number of supporters, there is no question of a Division.