§ 10. Mr. STURROCKasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how far mine-sweeping operations are still being carried on in the North Sea; and what steps are being taken in this direction to protect deep-sea and coastwise traffic from the danger of drifting mines?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir J. Craig)Mine-sweeping operations are still being carried out by the German forces in the North Sea to clear the dangerous areas to the eastward of the 1714 meridian of 40° E. between the parallels of latitude of 56° 10 N. and 54° N. About 70 per cent. of the original mined area in existence in the North Sea at the Armistice which was allocated to Germany has been reported by them as cleared. Constant pressure has been, and is being, brought to bear on the German Authorities to expedite the work. The precautions taken to deal with drifting mines, as set forth in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Gateshead of the 13th May, are still in force.
§ Commander Viscount CURZONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the mines recently discovered in the English Channel are coming from the German mine-fields?
§ Sir J. CRAIGNotice ought to be given of that question.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhat steps do the Government take to verify the facts as given to them by the Germans who are sweeping for mines?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThere is no question about that. The Admiralty are very careful.