§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the belief in the importance of the submarine arm in French naval circles and their tendency to develop submarines rather than capital ships, he will consider the advisability, under the new political circumstances, of postponing the building of the two new capital ships which we are entitled to build under the Washington Agreement, so that the money involved may be spent in the best interests of the defence of our mercantile marine against the new menace?
§ Mr. AMERYThe hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the Admiralty will do their best to see that any sums credited to Navy Votes are spent in the best interests of our naval defence—including the defence of our mercantile marine. One of the most important measures ensuring this defence will be the two new capital ships.