HC Deb 13 March 1930 vol 236 cc1480-1
45. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Prime Minister whether at the Five-Power Naval Conference any proposal and, if so, of what nature, has been put forward in favour of a pact dependent upon disarmament; and, if so, what attitude has been adopted by this country?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Phillip Snowden)

I think that while the Conference is in progress questions of this kind are to be deprecated.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Is it a fact, as reported, that the insistence of France on her demand necessitates additional building in this country?

48. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement concerning the progress of the Five-Power Naval Conference?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on Monday last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville) to which my right hon. Friend has nothing to add.

Mr. MALONE

Is it the intention of the Government to make a statement on the Naval Conference before, or on the introduction of the Navy Estimates?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I do not think that that would be possible. Anybody who has had any experience of conferences such as the Naval Conference knows that it is quite impossible while conversations and negotiations are in progress to make any statement which would be of much value.

Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Am I right in understanding that the intention of the Prime Minister is to make a Statement to the House at the earliest possible moment when the progress of the Conference proceedings permits of such a statement, and that, therefore, the first statement when the right hon. Gentleman is in a position to make one, will be made in this House and will not appear in the Press before we hear it?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I think the Prime Minister has already given that undertaking.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

While the right hon. Gentleman may be quite right in what he says about not making a premature statement, does he not see that the introduction of the Navy Estimates before the conclusion of the Conference will make matters very difficult indeed for this House?