HC Deb 27 July 1927 vol 209 cc1250-2
9. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, as representing the Prime Minister, whether his attention has been called to the speech of the Attorney-General at Emsworth on 22nd July last, in which he referred to the freedom of the seas as a vital necessity in every part of the Empire; and whether this represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I can find nothing in the report which I have seen of my right. hon. and learned Friend's speech which is in any way at variance with the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether by the term "freedom of the seas" the Cabinet mean what President Wilson meant at the end of the War I May I request some light on this matter? Failing that, will the right hon. Gentleman

— Seagoing commission Reserve Under Repair Naval Personnel Admiralty Head-quarters Staff
August, 1914
Battleships … … … 44 16 — 146,047 1,718
Battle Cruisers … … … 7 — 1
Cruisers … … … 80 27 7
Destroyers … … … 183 18 9
Submarines … … … 72 — —
Torpedo Boats … … … 58 41 7
Minelayers* … … … — — —
Aircraft Carriers … … … — — —
July, 1927.
Battleships … … … 12 — 2 101,890 2,741
Battle Cruisers … … … 4 — —
Cruisers … … … 37 4 3
Destroyers … … … 89 68 5
Submarines … … … 43 10 2
Torpedo Boats … … … — — —
Minelayers … … … 1 — —
Aircraft Carriers … … … 4 2 2
*7 Cruisers were fitted as Minelayers.

NOTE.-The number of ships shown in the table for July, 1927, will be increased during the financial year by two Battleships, five Cruisers and one Submarine.

12. Mr. CONNOLLY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the cost of salaries and wages for the personnel of the Navy for 1913 and 1926, respectively, and the salaries and wage

man request his colleagues not to make speeches on subjects about which they know nothing?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is not a proper question.