Sir F. HALLasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the arrangements come to at Washington with regard to the reduction of naval forces is dependent upon the confirmation by the countries concerned in the Pacific Agreement; and whether any steps have yet been taken to reduce the British Navy to the strength provided for under the Washington settlement, or if no steps will be taken in this direction until America has adopted the Treaties?
§ Mr. AMERYI have been asked to reply. The arrangements regarding reduction of naval forces are, of course, dependent on the ratification of the Naval Treaty by the Powers concerned. They are not necessarily dependent on the ratification of the Quadruple Pacific Agreement. The Navy Estimates, as was indicated in the First Lord's statement accompanying them, have been prepared on the assumption that the Naval Treaty will be effectively ratified by all the Signatory Powers and steps in the direction of reduction are already being taken.