7. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before negotiations for the Anglo-French agreement were commenced, the policy was approved by the Committee of Imperial Defence?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIf, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to the Anglo-French compromise regarding the limitation of naval armaments, the answer is in the negative. The policy in question was referred to a Cabinet Committee at which representatives of the Service Departments were present in an advisory capacity, and was subsequently approved by the Cabinet as a whole.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESMay I ask what is the difference between the functions of this ad hoc sub-committee and the Committee of Imperial Defence? Is there any reason why the functions of the Committee of Imperial Defence should be usurped by a new committee of this kind?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe question was considered on its merits. Sometimes one machinery is applied; sometimes another.
Mr. MALONEAre we to assume that the Cabinet has approved of the proposed redistribution of the British Navy as outlined in the Agreement?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAt what date was this approved? Was it after this House had been informed on 30th July, or before?
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHDo I understand that the Committee of Imperial Defence has had nothing at all to do with the negotiations in the Anglo-French compromise?
§ Captain GARRO-JONESMay I ask whether the provisions of that compromise relating to submarines will be referred to the Committee of Imperial Defence before the Government give sanction to it again?