§ 28. Sir W. DAVISONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in the parity agreement arrived at with the United States of America the personnel allowed to the British Navy is the same as that allowed to the United States; and, if not; what are the numbers allowed to the British and American Navies, respectively?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe question of the limitation of naval personnel was not considered at the London, Naval Conference and no numbers were, therefore, fixed for the British and United States Navies.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs not this a very important matter? Can the right hon. Gentleman not assure the House that in the arrangement as to parity between the United States and this country, the British Navy will not be under a disadvantage as to numbers and personnel?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe agreement is based upon the requirements of new ships, and I have no doubt that the Board of Admiralty will take proper steps to see that the ships are properly manned.