HC Deb 01 July 1936 vol 314 cc380-1
15. Mr. DAY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty His Majesty's Government's future policy for the discontinuance of the existing or the laying down of any new submarines; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to explore the possibility of the position with other nations in illegalising the submarine by mutual agreement?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)

As has frequently been made clear, His Majesty's Government favour the complete abolition of the submarine by agreement between the naval Powers. It has, however, unfortunately proved impossible to secure such agreement, in spite of repeated attempts which have been made since the War. No useful purpose would be served by a further attempt at the present time; and the policy of His Majesty's Government is to continue to lay down new submarines as necessary for the Royal Navy.

Mr. DAY

Can the Noble Lord say whether the United States also agreed to the same principle?

Lord STANLEY

I understand that they also are building submarines.

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