HC Deb 13 May 1925 vol 183 cc1829-30
20. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the success which attended the last tour of the British Fleet round the Empire, he will consider further visits of smaller sections of the Navy to certain of the. Dominions and Colonies in the near future?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

By the present distribution of the fleets and ships of the British Navy, and the annual programmes of cruises, practically all the Dominions and Colonies in the Empire are visited by His Majesty's ships at least once a year. Every consideration will be given to requests for additional visits provided that financial and strategical considerations will admit

Mr. SANDEMAN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it possible that naval detachments might also go round the South American ports? They are the best advertisement we ever had. We, sold more goods than ever before after the last visit.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The hon. Member must realise that we are very much circumscribed by the amount of fuel that we are allowed to burn in the course of the year. We must use it in the most economical way

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the fact that the Prince of Wales is away advertising the British Empire round there, or he will be? I do not see why the Navy should be sent there