§ 11. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Japanese Naval Estimates have been reduced since the earthquake; if so, by how much; and what effect this is to have on the Japanese warship building programme?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Ammon)Yes, Sir, by approximately £5,360,000 at the par rate of exchange. The completion of the building programme will, as a result, be retarded by one year, i.e., it is to be completed by 31st March, 1929, instead of by 31st March, 1928. Supplementary Naval Estimates will, however, be demanded for approximately £10,000,000, 1358 spread over several years, for reconstruction of naval establishments damaged by the earthquake and fire.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill this affect the British building programme in any way?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir PAGE CROFTMay we take it that there will be no reduction in this country greater than has been indicated already?