1 MARCH 1924, Page 2

In the House of Commons on Thursday,. February 21st, a

storm suddenly blew up when Mr. Ammon, Parlia- mentary Secretary to the Admiralty, announced that the Government had decided to build five cruisers and two destroyers. Not only Liberals but some followers of the Government at once expressed their indignation. Mr. Thurtle, the Socialist member for Shoreditch, asked whther this decision was to be taken as " a great moral gesture to the world." When Mr. Pringle moved the adjournment of the House to consider the whole subject all the Liberals rose in. support. In spite of the reproving attitude which Mr. MacDonald adopted towards the revolt in his own party, about half the Labour Members also rose. * * * *