HL Deb 03 July 1934 vol 93 cc314-6WA
LORD STRABOLGI

asked His Majesty's Government what is the strength in battleship and cruisers, respectively, con- sidered necessary for the defence of British interests under present world conditions; and whether an increase in the present fleet has been proposed in the recent conversations preliminary to the forthcoming Naval Conference.

THE EARL OF LUCAN

The strength of the British Fleet in battleships and cruisers must be partly dependent on the corresponding strengths of foreign, naval Powers, and these are questions that are to be discussed and settled at the 1935 Naval Conference. The Government is not prepared, for the moment, to give any information in regard to the course of the confidential discussions at present proceeding in preparation for that Conference.

House adjourned at five minutes before seven o'clock.