asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the new naval plans of the United States of America in respect of warship construction this year; and whether he can give any details as to the similar plans of the Italian Admiralty?

Proposals are now before the United States Congress to build eight 10,000-ton light cruisers, six river gunboats and one submarine. According to our present information, two 10,000-ton light cruisers, four destroyers and four submarines are to be laid down by Italy shortly.

Does the hon. Gentleman now deny that the Government's cruiser programme has stimulated a competition in international armaments?

Is it not the fact that these proposals were under consideration before we passed our own naval programme?

That is a matter for argument.