§ 6. Commander SOUTHBYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's Government have considered, or are considering, the advisability of increasing the cruiser and destroyer building programmes of this country, in view of the increased naval building programmes of France and Italy and the continued failure of those countries to reach agreement, and having regard to the special provisions of Article 21 of the London Naval Treaty?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. V. Alexander)The building programme has been continually under consideration throughout the Franco-Italian negotiations. As it is hoped that an opportunity may soon arise to continue these negotiations, His Majesty's Government do not consider that the situation at present warrants any increase in the building programmes already approved by Parliament.
§ Commander SOUTHBYWhat exactly does the right hon. Gentleman mean by soon? How soon?
§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position with regard to naval shipbuilding in France following on the action taken on the naval programme?
§ Mr. ALEXANDERI have no information other than that which has appeared in the Press, from which it would seem that the French naval programme for 1931–32 is still under consideration.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes not the Press report show that the French anticipated programme is not to be proceeded with? Has there not been some considerable reduction?
§ Mr. ALEXANDERI think the Press reports show the programme as having been referred back, and, therefore, for the time being part of the credits which have been made have been withdrawn.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes not that mean that, whereas the French Government were going to construct a 23,000-ton ship, this will not be proceeded with for the present?
§ Mr. ALEXANDERI should like to await confirmation of that after the 420 further consideration by the French Government.
§ Commander SOUTHBYIs it not a fact that a considerable increase is foreshadowed?