HC Deb 14 December 1927 vol 211 c2288
10. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the increase in the American shipbuilding programme and of the reversal of their disarmament policy, he will reconsider his decision with regard to the postponement of the two cruisers?

15. Mr. HANNON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has had under consideration the recent statement made by the President of the United States of America with reference to the naval programme of that country; and whether, in view of the contemplated expansion of the American navy, he will reconsider his decision to reduce the naval construction programme by two cruisers?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I have read the reports of President Coolidge's statement, but I find in it no grounds for departing from the decision of His Majesty's Government in regard to cruiser construction.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Has it not been the policy of His Majesty's Government to show their desire for disarmament by deeds and not by words, as opposed to the American policy of words and not deeds?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he did not abandon the two cruisers before the Conference instead of after; and does he not think that it creates a bad impression to do it now?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That question does not arise.

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