asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to demands for the scrapping of the British Navy and its reconstruction on more up-to-date lines; whether any such plan is being considered; and whether he can give an assurance that no steps in this direction will be taken until the Report of the League of Nations dealing with dis armament has been considered by this House?

Existing warships must gradually become obsolete owing to developments in naval science and the building by other Powers of ships embodying these developments. The attention of the Admiralty has not been called to demands for the scrapping of the British Navy, and no such plan is being considered. The last part of the question therefore does not arise.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any body of experts, who are not engaged in administrative work, looking into the whole question of the future of our fighting forces at sea?

Yes, Sir.

Who are they?

HON. MEMBERS:

You!

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.