§ 9. Sir MURDOCH MacKENZIE WOODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many herring drifters were engaged in the service of the Royal 1950 Navy during the War; whether it is still the view of the Admiralty that these drifters would be required as auxiliaries to the Fleet in the event of a war; and, if so, whether he has taken any steps to assure himself that a sufficient number of these vessels in a sea-worthy condition are likely to be available in an emergency?
The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Mon-sell)About 1,150 drifters were taken up on Charter during the late War, but all of them were not in service at the same time. A number of drifters will probably be required in the event of a future war. The Admiralty are fully alive to the importance of the fishing industry to the Royal Navy.
§ Sir M. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically all the drifters at present in commission were built before the War, and in most cases are out of date?