BRITISH NAVY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 July 1925, Page 7

BRITISH NAVY

THE BUILDING PROGRAMME QUESTIONS IN THE COMMONS STATEMENT l’.V FIRST LORD ■By Elect-to Telegrwith.—Copyright.) 1 ttir'ri Telegrams.) LONDON. July 16 lu (lie House- of Commons', with the olijcft of ext i.o t in" a Governmental statement on t tie building programme. Sir Jolm Simon moved a small reduction in tin- naval vote. Mr \\ . 0. ILidgeman. First Lord of tl u . Admit a lit. replying. promised that Ah- Baldwin would make a statement within a week; meantime lie pointed out that on the pre-war purchasing value. Britain was spending fifteen million sterling on tin- navy below the pre-war rate. Sir Joint Simons amendment, and the estimates were ad join tied. Before tin- adjournment Mr Bridgeman said that as regards' Singapore, there was no difference in the situation since the last debate. They were proceeding with the installation of a floating dock itntl considering a larger programme. which in any way could not begin before next year. In the course of the debate, ii was suggested there should lie more intimate, relationship with the dominions when naval problems had to he settled. lie pointed out that naval expenditure per tapita was Britain 25 ; Canada 74 rents: Au-lralia and New Zealand 8/ : South Africa 21d. Mr Bi idgemrin added that the dominions were not bearing a full share of their responsibility, not because they were unwilling, hut he doubted if the problem could ever be aproached from a truly Imperial viewpoint. The foregoing was subsequently t*n-(loi't-ed by others, including Mr Idoyd (leorge, who declared if it is a. question of the defence of the Empire, the whole Fmpir ought to share the burden. seniors DIFFERENCES IN CABI NET LONDON. July 17 A political correspondent states tint there were serious differences of opinion in Cabinet regarding the Admiralty programme. Mr Bridgernan declared that i.e would have to consider liis position. It is significant lie was still unable after numerous recent cabinet meetings to make an announcement last night in connection with the Government’s intentions.

Mr Lloyd George in the course of the debate said that the fleet was as vital to (lie commerce of other parts of the Empire as to nurs. "1 think it is about time the whole of the British Empire (•ante in and said frankly that- they will take their share. Too much has been left to this gallant little country which fought the battles of civilisation for three or four centuries without grousing or complaining.”