§ 4. Mr. Liptonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what further cuts in naval expenditure have been made since the current estimates were approved.
§ Mr. SoamesNavy Estimates for this year are £33 million less than last year, and we do not expect to be able to save more than that during the year. We are now busy putting into effect the various economies which this figure demands.
§ Mr. LiptonMay we be told more about the battle that is going on behind the scenes? For example, is it true that the First Sea Lord has threatened to resign if the Minister of Defence carries out the cuts that he has in mind? Whose side is the Parliamentary Secretary on?
§ Mr. SoamesI know of no battle behind the scenes.
§ Mr. BottomleyWhile we all desire to economise to the fullest extent, would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it would be wrong to cut down our defence at any cost, and will he give an assurance that the views of the experts will always be carefully weighed?
§ Mr. SoamesI am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that question. Of course, there is this long-term defence review in progress now, and it will be put into effect over a number of years. The right hon. Gentleman would not, of course, expect me to comment on that this afternoon.