§ 14. Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty who is representing the Board at the forthcoming Preparatory Commission on Disarmament at Geneva; and whether the Board has prepared a scheme for the reduction of naval armaments at the forthcoming conference?
§ The FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)The Admiralty will be represented in an advisory capacity at the forthcoming Preparatory Commission on Disarmament by Vice-Admiral W. A. H. Kelly. The Admiralty have been consulted as regards the Government attitude on this question.
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYMay I have an answer to the last part of the question?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe answer is that the Admiralty have been consulted as regards the Government attitude on this question.
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYI am sure that I heard that answer as read, but have they put forward any considered scheme for the reduction of armaments?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThey have stated their views to those who have to conduct the matter at Geneva.
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that a considered scheme has been put forward? Does the right hon. Gentleman not see the difference between stating views and putting forward a considered scheme?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWhere I see the difference is between making a statement now and waiting till the Preparatory Commission has actually met to discuss it.
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYI am very sorry, but the right hon. Gentleman was asked whether they had put forward any scheme. That is the question on the Paper. Surely, we are not going into this last conference without a definite scheme on paper to put before other countries?