HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1238-9
20. Sir Robert Rankin

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any steps are being taken to amass a reasonable reserve of guns and other equipment for arming British merchantmen in the event of an emergency situation; and, if so, whether he can state that additional steps are to be taken to provide facilities for training the personnel of the mercantile marine in the use of such equipment?

Mr. Cooper

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the training of mercantile marine personnel in the use of defensive armament has been and is under active consideration.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Is the Admiralty continuing to take steps in connection with the building of new mercantile ships to see that they are suitable for defence?

Mr. Cooper

That is another question.