HC Deb 13 July 1938 vol 338 cc1303-4
21. Captain Alan Graham

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Japan is constructing a series of 20-knot 10,000-ton deadweight oil-tankers which can only serve warlike and not commercial purposes; and whether he is considering suitable counter measures?

Mr. Cooper

I am aware of the construction of such vessels, but am unable to accept the assumption that they cannot serve commercial purposes. I am not quite clear what my hon. and gallant Friend means by "counter measures," but I can assure him that our own tanker position is constantly under review.