HC Deb 21 December 1938 vol 342 cc2862-4
34. Sir A. Southby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether as a result of the experience gained in the great War, any plans have been worked out for the protection of our merchant ships; and, if so, have any steps been taken to communicate them to the mercantile marine?

Mr. Shakespeare

Yes, Sir. Complete plans have been drawn up and the collaboration of the shipping interests has been ensured by the formation two years ago of the Shipping Defence Advisory Committee. The details of such plans are, of course, secret, but the general outline has been communicated to the Mercantile Marine.

Sir A. Southby

Was any communication made to the Mercantile Marine during the recent crisis?

Mr. Shakespeare

We were in very close touch with them.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the vessels under the control of the Italian Government in the Mercantile Marine of Italy are being armed, and are we taking proper steps in our own Mercantile Marine?

Mr. Shakespeare

I understand that the decks of the Italian ships are being stiffened for that purpose.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not the Admiralty aware that statements have been made on unimpeachable authority that apart from the stiffening of the ships for armament purposes, guns have been installed?

Mr. Shakespeare

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. Ede

Have the Committee to which the hon. Gentleman alluded made any representations about the effect upon their policy of the present shrinkage of the Mercantile Marine?

Mr. Shakespeare

That is a different question.

37. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the recent mobilisation revealed any deficiencies in provision for defence against intensive enemy attacks upon British shipping in home waters; whether the Naval Staff is considering the matter; whether the building of certain types of craft to counter such attacks is contemplated; and whether a Supplementary Estimate will be presented for this purpose?

Mr. Shakespeare

As the rearmament programme is not yet complete, the numbers of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine escort vessels available when the recent mobilisation took place were inevitably smaller than the Admiralty would have wished. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the Naval Staff have this matter constantly before them, and that our deficiencies in the vessels in ques- tion are being made good, both by the construction of new vessels and by the rearming of existing cruisers and destroyers, with the utmost speed possible. No Supplementary Estimate in the current financial year is contemplated for this purpose.