HC Deb 31 July 1936 vol 315 cc1879-80W
Mr. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information about

before the Fleet selection boards this year, where the boards were held, the number of candidates who were selected, and the number of commissions to be awarded in 1936?

Sir S. HOARE

Great latitude is allowed to ratings in regard to the order in which they pass through the various stages before which they can be recommended by their Commanding Officers to appear before a Fleet Selection Board. The information asked for in the first part of the question is, therefore, not available. As regards the remainder of the question the following are the details desired:

the contract given to Germany to fortify the Dardanelles; the amount of contract; the name of the firm that has got the contract; the name of the countries that will have to pay for fortifying the Straits; and whether any British firms were asked to tender for the work?

Viscount CRANBORNE

My right hon. Friend is not aware that any contract has yet been awarded or tenders invited. The matter rests entirely in the hands of the Turkish Government.