HC Deb 12 March 1930 vol 236 cc1315-6
46. Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a further statement as to the progress of the Naval Conference?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on Monday last to a question by the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) to which I have nothing to add at the present time.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

Arising out of the reply given on Monday, will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister the very generally expressed opinion that no agreement is better than a partial one between the oceanic Powers?

Earl WINTERTON

May I ask whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consider making a statement before the Navy Estimates are discussed, which must be on some date before the 31st of March. Is he aware also that it is perfectly open for any hon. Member of this House, and would be within the Rules of Order, to raise a number of questions which are at present under review by the Conference, and, unless there is a statement by the Prime Minister, there might be unfortunate and embarrassing results.

Mr. SNOWDEN

I will convey to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister what the Noble Lord has said.

49. Miss WILKINSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any resolutions from bodies representing different sections of public opinion urging a further reduction of cruisers and the total abolition of battleships and submarines?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The answer is in the affirmative.

Mr. ALBERY

May I ask whether the action of the Government at the Naval Conference is in any way influenced by such representations?