HC Deb 13 March 1940 vol 358 c1183
42. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps are being taken to train the machine-gun crews for the protection of trawlers and light vessels?

Mr. Shakespeare

The crews of trawlers are trained in the use of machine-guns when the guns are supplied to the vessel. With regard to the measures taken to defend light vessels I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 7th February.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Is the hon. Member aware that complaint has been made that crews are not trained and that they have no knowledge of dealing with jammed guns?

Mr. Shakespeare

We are doing our best to overcome that difficulty.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it clear that every member of the crew is undergoing a course of training, or is the training confined to certain members of the crew?

Mr. Shakespeare

I think to certain members.

Mr. Shinwell

If it is confined to certain members of the crew, does the hon. Gentleman not appreciate that when crews are discharged and new men are taken on changes are made in the machine-gun crews, and that, therefore, it is highly desirable for that and other reasons that every member of the crew should undergo training?

Mr. Shakespeare

That was the idea.