Mr. F. HALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the date by which it was originally anticipated that the ships to be contributed by Canada for the Navy would be available for service; what would have been the total number of battleships and cruisers at that time if the Canadian Parliament had agreed to the proposed arrangements; what will be the probable number of such ships available at the date in question; and if, in view of his statements as to the importance of these vessels for Imperial purposes, he will state what steps will be taken to remedy the shortage or the reasons which now make it unnecessary to replace the Canadian ships?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not propose to anticipate the full statement which it will be my duty to make to the House when the Estimates are presented.