HC Deb 04 May 1938 vol 335 c861
36. Sir Robert Rankin

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps have been taken during the current year to accumulate stocks of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine equipment for the merchant navy; and what proportion of the mercantile marine could now be fitted out with such equipment at short notice?

Mr. Cooper

As regards the first part of the question, sufficient stocks of antisubmarine guns for arming ships of the merchant navy had already been accumulated before the current year. Provision is also being made for the necessary stocks of anti-aircraft equipment. As regards the second part of the question, it would not be in the public interest to divulge the precise figures of our preparations in these respects.