12 MARCH 1925
The Duke of Sutherland expressed some doubt in the House of Lords as to the adequacy of the rate of increase of the Air Force, in view of the fact that it would take twenty years to bring ours to the level of the French Air Force. Were the Government, he asked, relying on a world disarmament conference to make further increase unnecessary. Lord Salisbury expressed the Government’s confident hope that the 52 squadrons aimed at would be completed by the end of 1929. He admitted that, even then, France would have a considerable numerical superiority, but it was the Government’s view, having regard to all the circumstances, that our Air Defences would by that time be adequate.
In answer to questions in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister said that he was convinced there would be no advantage in calling a national convention of employers’ and workmen’s representatives until there had been a frank and thorough discussion by representatives of each of the different industries in regard to the problem as it affected them.
The House of Commons began discussion of the Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restriction Continuance) Bill, the second reading of which was moved by Mr Neville Chamberlain. A Socialist motion on Parliamentary control of foreign affairs was rejected by 255 to 133, a Unionist amendment declaring that control is adequately secured by existing procedure being talked out by Mr Maxton.
Mr Austen Chamberlain will make his declaration on the Protocol at this morning’s session of the League Council at Geneva, and M. Briand will reply for France at the afternoon session.
The Postmaster-General, replying to criticisms by Sir Robert Donald on his attitude to Imperial Wireless, said he had already taken steps to bring about the formation of an Imperial Advisory Committee, and the views of the Dominions had been invited.