§ MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to his recent statements as to the future existence of the Militia and Volunteer Submarine Mining Divisions, he will state whether it is now the intention to dispense with them or retain them for service, in whole or in part; if in part, at which ports is it decided to continue their establishment and recruiting, and at which are they to be abolished.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) No submarine miners will be retained by the Army for submarine mining purposes at any of the naval ports. The question whether these forces can be utilised in connection with the defence of the waterways of commercial ports is still under consideration.