6. Colonel THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Humber mine-sweepers accounted for 3,000 enemy mines during the War; if he is aware that the Humber authorities have supplied 800 trawlers and 10,000 men to the mine-sweeping services; and if the Government intend to give any recognition to the men working on the trawlers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I am glad my hon. Friend has put this question. His description of the contribution of the fishing folk of the Humber to the safety of the realm during the War does not overstate the fact. And the House and the country will be fully prepared to hear that the other coast bases have a record of devoted and gallant service of an equally splendid character. That they have made very heavy sacrifices in the discharge of their extremely arduous and dangerous task is evidenced by the fact that over a thousand officers and men have lost their lives on mine-fields while mine-sweeping. My hon. and gallant Friend heard, as we all did, with deep satisfaction the gracious words in which His Majesty the King expressed appreciation of the mine-sweepers on Tuesday. Those words found an echo in the hearts of all of us. It will be the duty and privilege of the Admiralty to consider in due course the appropriate form in which to recognise the invaluable services of the minesweepers.