HC Deb 04 March 1935 vol 298 c1580
57. Mr. CLEARY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement regarding the submarines now being constructed in this country for the Portuguese navy?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)

An order for three submarines was placed by the Portuguese Government with Messrs. Vickers-Armstrongs Limited in March, 1933. Two of the vessels have already been delivered and the third is approaching completion.

Mr. CLEARY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an agreement exists or is under consideration whereby the submarines can be repurchased sometime in the future by this country?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

No, Sir. The report that appeared in one of the daily papers, I think on Saturday, was what we generally call a pure fabrication. I am not sure whether in this case the adjective is happily selected.