HC Deb 09 April 1934 vol 288 c3
3. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the heavy increases in the German naval, military, and air estimates; whether he will take immediate steps to ascertain the purpose of this expenditure and whether it constitutes

— 1933 Expenditure. 1934 Estimate. Increase.
Navy 183 millions RM. 233 millions RM. 50 millions RM.
Army 472 millions RM. 647 millions RM. 175 millions RM.
Air Ministry 78 millions RM. 210 millions RM. 132 millions RM.

His Majesty's Government are giving very serious consideration to this matter and I have instructed His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin to make inquiries of the German Government on the subject.

Mr. BOOTHBY

When does my right hon. Friend expect to be in a position to make a further statement on this question?

Sir J. SIMON

I should expect to get a communication in the course of the present week, but, if there is any further information earlier than in the ordinary course, I will let my hon. Friend know.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked for an explanation of the meaning of the deplorable speech of General Goering at Potsdam the other day? Has that no bearing on these questions?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not think it has any bearing on the actual question on the paper.