§ 42. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, for what purpose the plans he is now preparing and the rearmament programme of the Government are intended; and whether they are concerned solely with the defence of the shores or are intended to protect our interests in other parts of the world?
§ The MINISTER for the CO-ORDINATION of DEFENCE (Sir Thomas Inskip)The object of the Government's plans was explained in Cmd. Paper 5107, and has been elaborated in detail in successive Debates. In reply to the second part of the question, the plans are devised for the protection of all His Majesty's subjects.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAre we to understand that the extended forces that are in contemplation are, in the opinion of the Government, adequate for the purpose?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe Government have made proposals which they asked the House to treat for the time being as adequate.
§ 43. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether any estimate has been prepared, or is in course of preparation, showing what forces are required for the protection of all parts of the Empire; whether, in the event of war breaking out simultaneously in the Mediterranean and in the Far East, adequate forces are available for the protection of our interests in China and the Dominion of Australia; and whether these matters are being considered in relation to the respective policies of isolation, of a military and naval alliance with other nations, or within the framework of the League of Nations?
§ Sir T. INSKIPAll the aspects of Imperial Defence referred to in the question were considered when the Government's plans for re-conditioning the Forces were formulated, and are kept under constant consideration.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAre we to understand that it is in contemplation that, in the event of hostilities breaking out in any part of the Empire, for example in the Pacific, we can, in a state of isolation, undertake the task of defence?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI am not prepared to attempt to deal with a hypothetical question of that nature by the method of question and answer.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs not the Defence programme itself based upon a hypothesis?