§ 30. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty to what proportion of the national expenditure the British and Japanese naval expenditure amounts; and to what extent the Japanese naval expenditure is met by loan?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANOn the basis of the figures for 1924–25 British naval expenditure represents about 7 per cent. of the national expenditure. The present Japanese naval expenditure is approximately 15 per cent. of the national expenditure. As regards the second part of the question, as far as is known, no Japanese naval expenditure is met by loans with the exception of the "Extraordinary War Expenditure Fund," which is not included in the above percentage, and gratuities granted to officers and men discharged consequent on reductions due to the Washington Treaty.
§ Mr. P. HARRISIs not the percentage basis rather misleading in view of the heavy interest this country has to pay on its National Debt?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am only asked what is the percentage.