§ 26. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how enemy submarines can operate regularly in the Mersey whilst British submarines are unable to operate close in to enemy ports in the North Sea?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty are not prepared to admit that British sub- 658 marines are unable to operate close in to enemy ports in the North Sea. But it must be clear to my hon. Friend that the conditions obtaining in the vicinity of enemy ports are wholly different from those which obtain in the case of British ports. The absence of mercantile traffic from German ports in the North Sea renders practicable the use of extensive minefields by the enemy. On the other hand, the volume of mercantile traffic using British ports renders it necessary for the approaches to be kept clear of mines.
§ Mr. HOUSTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that enemy submarines have not been inside the Mersey bar?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot discuss that at all.