§ 47. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the negotiations between France and Italy regarding their respective naval construction programmes up to 1936; and whether he will state the percentage of tonnage, above that allowed to Italy, which France would under the French proposals have the right to build?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply returned on 28th January to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) to the effect that, as the informal discussions on the naval question were still proceeding, it was not possible to give any details at the present time.
§ Commander SOUTHBYWhen will these informal discussions be completed, and when will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement on this important point?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot possibly say. They may be prolonged, and I appeal to hon. Members to allow me to give them notice when I am prepared to answer the point. That, will be in the national interests, for it is not desirable that these questions should be repeated too often.