§ 46. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister the proportions which the armies, navies, and air forces of Great Britain, France. Italy, Germany, and Japan bear to each other, respectively, according to the latest available information?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe latest authoritative information regarding the land and air forces of the Powers named is given in the Armaments Year Book of the League of Nations for 1935, a copy of which is being placed in the Library. The figures therein quoted for Germany are, however, prior to the development of her forces now in process of taking place. The present strength of the navies is shown in the latest edition of "Fleets," Which is about to be published. It is expected that it will be laid before the House on Thursday next.
Mr. ALEXANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman accompany that statement with a White Paper explaining the policy of the Government at the Naval Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot answer that question without notice. I think I made our policy clear in my opening speech at the Conference.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the statement show the big ships as well as the small ships that are being built by the naval Powers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regret that I cannot answer that question because I have not studied this particular book myself.