HC Deb 13 April 1932 vol 264 cc816-7
39. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the circumstances under which he has arranged to send one of His Majesty's ships to Newfoundland?

Mr. THOMAS

In response to a, request received in a telegram from the Governor of Newfoundland in which it was stated that there was risk of grave disorder, His Majesty's Ship "Dragon" was ordered to proceed to St. Johns from Bermuda and arrived there yesterday.

Mr. HANNON

My question asks under what circumstances the ship has been sent, the conditions attached to the sending of this war vessel to Newfoundland, and what representations were made by the Governor of Newfoundland to my right hon. Friend to induce him to send it?

Mr. THOMAS

The presence of a battleship in any part of the Empire is governed exclusively by instructions. Those instructions are clearly laid dawn by the Admiralty to preserve law and order. That was the only object of the battleship being sent.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House who is to pay the expense of sending this battleship to Newfoundland?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.