HC Deb 04 August 1924 vol 176 cc2555-6W
Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Prime Minister why the Government decided to hold the naval review at this time when delicate diplomatic discussions were in progress with other nations to whom such a display of force may convey a wrong impression, and thereby endanger a satisfactory termination to the negotiations?

The PRIME MINISTER

The decision to hold a naval review to enable Dominion and other visitors from overseas to see the Fleet was come to long before the London Conference was thought of. If my hon. Friend will recollect, it was stated in the House on the 5th March last that it was then in contemplation to hold a naval review towards the end of July at Spithead.