HC Deb 23 January 1930 vol 234 cc328-9
47. Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

asked the Prime Minister if it is proposed to discuss the question of the Singapore base at the Naval Conference?

48. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the Prime Minister if the existing British naval bases are to be a subject for discussion at the Naval Conference?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

The Prime Minister is not aware that any delegation intends to raise these questions at the Conference.

Major ROSS

In view of the Prime Minister's declaration that the object of the Naval Conference is to decide naval strength and not naval policy, is not the question of retaining a fleet base in the Pacific rather a question of policy than of strength?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a much wider question than what is raised by the one on the Paper.

49. Colonel GRETTON

asked the Prime Minister if the questions of the size and replacement of battleships entered into the discussions which he had on naval questions during his visit to the United States?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I understand that the subject was before those who took part in the discussions.

Colonel GRETTON

May I ask for further information as to what that answer means?

Mr. SNOWDEN

It obviously means that those who took part in the conversations discussed the question.

Colonel GRETTON

Am I to understand that battleships were the subject of conversations in the United States when the Prime Minister was there?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Really I think my answer covers all that. The right hon. and gallant Gentleman asked whether the subject of battleships entered into the discussions. My reply was that I understood the subject was before those who took part in the discussions.

Colonel GRETTON

Why were we not told this at an earlier stage, and were the Admiralty previously consulted?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The Admiralty, of course, have had cognisance of all that has been going on in regard to all these discussions, and their views, of course, received the consideration which opinions coming from such a body are entitled to receive. These conversations in America were personal between the Prime Minister and the President, and I have no official knowledge of what took place. They were simply preparatory to the discussions of the Naval Conference.