HC Deb 05 December 1928 vol 223 c1194
17. Mr. THURTLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is now the policy of the Admiralty to utilise Government dockyards not only for the construction of British warships but also for the construction of warships on behalf of foreign Powers?

Lieut. - Colonel HEADLAM

The answer is in the negative, but the Admiralty have on various occasions agreed to give facilities for the refit and repair of foreign warships in Royal dockyards on suitable payment.

Mr. THURTLE

Is this the manner in which the Government help the general cause of disarmament, by assisting other countries to enlarge their navies?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

It is quite obvious that if a country has a navy it will wish to keep that navy in repair. If we do not repair the ships, somebody else will.