HC Deb 09 April 1930 vol 237 c2151
21. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to say if it is intended to scrap the four ships of the "Hawkins" class as a result of the deliberations of the Naval Conference?

Mr. AMMON

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 31st March (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 889–90) to the hon. Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer).

Commander SOUTHBY

As these are four of our best and most efficient cruisers, will the hon. Gentleman be able, if I put this question down again in a week's time, to give me a definite answer?

Mr. AMMON

That I cannot promise; it will depend upon the discussions that are now going on.

Major ROSS

Will the hon. Gentleman consider, in certain eventualities, re-arming these ships with 6-inch guns?