HC Deb 05 August 1925 vol 187 cc1336-7
17. Sir GERALD STRICKLAND

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to assist in giving effect to a promise, conveyed by his predecessor in 1923 to the Parliament of Malta, that the Malta Naval Reserve would be reestablished: and whether he can inform the House of the steps taken towards that end?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that any such promise was given. I am not in a position to make any statement at the present time as to the establishment of a Malta Naval Reserve.

Sir G. STRICKLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the promise referred to was contained in a despatch from his predecessor, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, read publicly in the Parliament of Malta?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I can find no trace of any promise of that nature having been given. The question, of course, is still open to further consideration.