§ 12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to apparently authoritative announcement that the Italian Admiralty intends to lay down no more capital ships and to pay off the existing battleships; and what information he has on the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)My attention has been called to statements to this effect which have appeared in the Press, but I have no official information on the question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman have inquiries made from our naval attaché at Rome on this very important matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMWe are taking all possible steps to gain information on the matter.