§ 47. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the First Lord of the Admiralty on 14th December made on an official occasion concerning the future of aircraft carriers and of the Royal Navy represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty in any recent speech has said anything that could not have 2591 been readily inferred from the restatement of naval policy made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence in the debate on the Gracious Speech.
§ Mr. WyattIs not the Prime Minister aware that in this speech the First Lord of the Admiralty severely rebuked Lord Montgomery for saying that we should not build any more aircraft carriers because they were obsolete; and that he also rebuked him for saying that the rôle of the Navy would be much reduced in the future? What we would like to know is who is right, the Field Marshal or the First Lord?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that before the House takes a final decision on that matter, hon. Members would do well to enlighten themselves by the debates that will take place after Christmas on the Service Estimates.