asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what modifications of the warship-building programme are intended in view of the present financial situation?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Austen Charnberlain):

The best method of making the economies required of the Navy is under consideration. I am not at present in a position to make any further statement on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he cannot answer the question on the Paper, or why he does not feel willing to answer it, in view of the great rapidity in coming to conclusions with regard to other cuts? Is he aware that this means great uncertainty in the contract shipyards, and cannot we have some statement?

The cuts as affecting the personnel have already been announced to the Navy. This question relates to the effect of the economies required by the present situation on the building programme, and about that, though I recognise the desirability of making a statement as soon as possible, I cannot say anything at present.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment to-night.