HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2293-4
53. Mr. Day

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will give particulars of the last occasion on which His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia intimated that they were considering the construction of any new ships for the Royal Australian Navy?

Mr. Shakespeare

The Australian programme of naval construction was stated by Mr. Street, the Minister for Defence, in a speech in the House of Representa- tives on 6th December, 1938, to include two escort vessels, two tribal class destroyers, and 12 motor torpedo boats. He also stated that it was not the present intention of His Majesty's Government in Australia to acquire a capital ship, but expert advice was being sought with a view to providing a capital ship dock at Sydney.

Mr. Day

Have any further approaches been made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of Australia with regard to this matter?

Mr. Shakespeare

We are always in touch with them.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it not a fact that the Commonwealth naval construction is based on the assumption that His Majesty's Government will station a capital ship at Singapore?

Mr. Shakespeare

I think I answered that very question some time ago.