NAVAL ESTIMATES

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 194, 12 May 1924, Page 7

NAVAL ESTIMATES

DISCUSSED IN HOUSE OF

COMMONS DESIRABILITY OF POLICY OF DISARMAMENT PROVISION OF DOCKYARDS In the debate in the House of Commons on the Naval Estimates the desirability of a i policy of disarmament on the one hand and provision for the equipment of dockyards on tho other were the main points discussed. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. London, May 9. The desirability of a policy of disarmament on the one hand, and provision for the equipment of dockyards on the other, were the main points discussed in the debate on the Naval Estimates in the House of Commons. The Conservatives persisted in urging the necessity of improving the Singapore dockyard. Mr. Amery (First Lord of the Admiralty in the previous Ministry) said there was an overwhelming case for modernising at least one dockyard east of the Suez Canal, and Jr anything was done there was not doubt as to which should be chosen. Mr. C. G. Ammon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in replying, said the Government had noted with the greatest friendliness and pleasure tlie American Senate’s resolutions in regard to a limitation of armaments conference, and it would do everything possible, as far as Britain was concerned, to show a reciprocal desire to enter any such negotiations and discussions. Admiralty experts, said Mr. Ammon, were studying the question of how the development of higher offensive power in different weapons might materially alter the position of the dockyards in the strategical sense. One difficulty concerned the welfare of the population which grow up around and was dependent upon the existing dockyards. Opinion had now altered on all sides in regard to the desirability of adopting the Geddes Committee’s suggestion to dispose of the Pembroke dockyard ; but the Admiralty was quite ready to sell Sheerness for commercial purposes.—Reuter. DEBATE ON CENSURE MOTION GOVERNMENT DEFEAT IMPROBABLE London, May 9. A Government defeat on a Budget is always a serious matter, and in view of Mr. Clvne’s announcement, the Government Is bound to treat a defeat on Tuesday in the conventional' way .by adjourning the House and considering its position. But the chance of defeat is infinitesimal, because Liberal support for the Government is certain, and the Labour members who favour the McKenna duties are bound to rally to the support of the Government. —Reuter. CONDEMNATION OF THE BUDGET < ENDANGERING THE TIES OF EMPIRE London, May 9. Sir Thomas Henley, in an interview, roundly condemned the Budget. He said that Mr. Snowden seemed to be doing his best to break down the ties of both sentiment and. trade that bind Australia to the Empire. He hoped, however, that the Commonwealth Parliament would not pass a resolution abolishing preference to Britain, because ho was sure that Mr. Snowden’s attitude towards the Dominions was not that of tho majority of the people of Great Britain. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

[Sir Thomas Henley was Minister of Public Works and Railways for New Souui Wales from April to June, 1922.]