§ 7. Captain Ryderasked the First Lord of the Admiralty to make a statement outlining the main effects which the new policy for defence expenditure will have on the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasI hope my hon. and gallant Friend can agree that it would be improper for me to anticipate the Defence White Paper or the more detailed Navy Estimates which will be presented 1370 about the same time. In the meantime, I can assure the House that the existing priorities in the anti-mine and antisubmarine field will continue.
§ Captain RyderWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is considerable misgiving in the country in case the Navy is very seriously to be reduced? Could he not consider giving rather more information than he has given in answer to my Question?
§ Mr. ThomasIt is very difficult for me to anticipate my statement on the Navy Estimates or the White Paper on defence, as I told the hon. Member for Stepney (Mr. W. J. Edwards) last week. All I can do is to repeat what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said—that this policy of re-armament is extended over a longer period but with the same priorities.