§ 15. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information with regard to the intentions of the Japanese Government 1509 to lay down battleships of 18-inch guns; and whether such information has resulted in any change in the plans of the Admiralty to lay down two new battleships only carrying 14-inch guns?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have seen reports in the Press to the effect that the Japanese Government are rumoured to be contemplating building a warship armed with 18-inch guns, but I have no information from any other source which would lead me to attach any credence to such rumours. The second part of the question does not, therefore, at present arise.
§ Captain MACDONALDIs the right hon. Gentleman making inquiries to verify the accuracy of the statement?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have the matter under my close attention.