§ 45. Earl WINTERTONasked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to the House before the Easter adjournment to discuss the adequacy of the defences of this country and the coordination of the services, in view of the altered conditions in Europe since the last Debate?
§ 49. Sir EDWARD GRIGGasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of recent developments in the field of foreign affairs, he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the joint responsibilities of the three defence services with regard to national and imperial security and with regard also to our obligations under the Covenant and the Treaty of Locarno?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that in the present state of public business the Government canont give a special opportunity for a Debate on Imperial Defence.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the Prime Minister aware that the increases in certain Continental forces raise serious doubts in the minds of many of his supporters as to whether the relative strength of British forces as laid down by the Lord President of the Council in his speech last November is being maintained? When will the House have an opportunity of considering this question, which is of fundamental importance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere are various occasions on which the question can be raised, and perhaps the right hon. Member will have a word with me on the matter.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONHas the attention of the Prime Minister been drawn to a recent statement by the Secretary of State for War, who pointed out the serious depletion of the forces of the Government in arms, personnel and reserves? Is it not essential that this vital matter of national defence should be discussed by the House of Commons at an early date?
§ Mr. MAXTONAre we to take it that the visits of the Foreign Secretary and the Lord Privy Seal to the Continent have not substantially altered the situation?
§ 48. Brigadier-General NATIONasked the Prime Minister whether, during the visit of Dominion representatives to this country for the Jubilee, opportunity will be taken to discuss the question of closer co-operation between the defence services of the United Kingdom and those of the Dominions, with a view to obtaining united action in all matters relating to Imperial defence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs was stated in this House by the Lord President of the Council on the 30th July last, advantage will be taken of the presence of Dominion representatives in this country to discuss personally and informally any questions of particular importance outstanding. No precise agenda has been laid down but I think that my hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that questions connected with defence will not be overlooked.
Captain A. EVANSWill His Majesty's Government in this country take the opportunity of suggesting to the Dominions that a contribution from their country towards the cost of Imperial defence would be very opportune at this moment?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the Prime Minister assure the House that a representative of the Territorial Army will attend these deliberations?