§ 53. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence when the last joint inquiry by representatives of the three Defence Services into the question of the defence of Hong Kong last took place; and whether he is satisfied that the British Forces there are sufficient for the defence of the Colony, having regard to the existing state of affairs in the Far East?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)The defences of all British defended ports overseas including the port mentioned in the question are kept constantly under review by the appropriate sub-committees of the Committee of Imperial Defence, on which all three Services are represented. All the relative circumstances are taken into account.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHas the advisability of reinforcing the China Squadron recently been under consideration, and is it not very desirable to have some capital ships in those waters at the present moment?
§ Sir T. InskipThat is a different question. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put it down.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderMay we not have a more specific answer as to whether the Minister is satisfied that British Forces are sufficient to defend the Colony?
§ Sir T. InskipI have nothing to add to the statement which I have made.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHas not the strength of the China Squadron a 812 direct bearing upon the defence of Hong Kong?
§ Sir T. InskipPerhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question down.
§ Mr. LawsonHas the right hon. Gentleman noticed that the question refers to the three Defence Services in their relation to Hong Kong, and can he tell us whether the equipment is quite good and the supplies are reliable in that part of the world?
§ Sir T. InskipI have already said that it is impossible for me to add to the answer which I have given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherDoes not a question relating to the defence of Hong Kong imply questions of the strength of the China Squadron?