§ 45. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of the Government to arrive at the Five Power Naval Conference, by international agreement, on the largest possible scrapping of battleship tonnage?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)I would refer the hon. Member to Part II, Section 4 of Command Paper 3485 entitled "Memorandum on the position at the London Naval Conference, 1930, of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom" which explains the views of His Majesty's Government on the reduction of battleships in size and numbers. To this statement of policy I have nothing to add at the present time.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether the sentence in the Command Paper to which the Prime Minister refers, and which looks to the eventual disappearance of the battleship, is the policy of the British delegates: or is it the policy for the future?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is the policy of His Majesty's Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAt the present time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOr after 1935?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is the policy of His Majesty's Government. It is the aim that is to be obtained by International agreement; but we cannot go one pound avoirdupois beyond what other countries are prepared to go.
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman expects to arrive at any International agreement for naval disarmament?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.