§ 45. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Prime Minister whether he consulted the Australian Government with regard to the latest reduction in cruisers and destroyers prior to the announcement of their reduction?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)The answer is in the negative. His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia are, however, fully apprised of the general considerations of policy on which the decision of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom was based.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great uneasiness and anxiety felt in Australia, first with regard to Singapore, and then with regard to the number of cruisers and destroyers being cut down? Cannot he take some steps to consult the Dominions first?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSo far as I am concerned, I am aware of exactly the opposite.