§ 55. Mr. Manderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent it is proposed that facilities for the joint use by the fleets of Great Britain and France of British and French naval bases has been put into operation, or is being contemplated?
§ Mr. ShakespeareIf this country and France find themselves allied in any future war, it is contemplated that our naval co-operation will be complete.
§ Mr. ManderIn the meantime, are steps being taken to make the naval bases mutually available, so that the necessary practice and information may be obtained?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI would refer the hon. Member to a reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 21st February last.
Mr. AlexanderCan the hon. Member say at this stage whether there are not now active exchanges of information between the British and French naval staff?
§ Mr. ShakespeareIf the right hon. Gentleman will look up that reply, he will see that conversations begun between the respective staffs are being continued.
§ Mr. ManderCan the British fleet go to Bizerta?
§ Sir Irving AlberyIs it not against the public interest that such questions should be asked?