§ 2. Commander Nobleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ships carrying illegal immigrants to Palestine have been intercepted by the Royal Navy since VE-day.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsForty-eight, Sir.
§ Commander NobleCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the long periods at sea which this must have necessitated and the great strain which these boarding operations must have imposed on all concerned?
§ Mr. EdwardsI am very happy to be given the opportunity of informing the House of something of what has been done by the Navy in these difficult times. I can say that the average monthly mileage of ships in the Palestine Patrol has been not less than 5,100 miles per ship. Several ships have served under very arduous conditions there, and I mention two, H.M.S. "Widemouth Bay," which served at sea for no less than 41 days out of 43 in 1947 and the destroyer, "Virago," which served at sea 52 days out of 56. I am pleased to be able to draw the attention of the House to what the Navy has been doing in connection with this matter.
§ Mr. EdenIn view of the characteristic manner in which the Royal Navy have discharged what, I am sure the whole House will agree, was a very onerous task, will the hon. Gentleman convey the thanks of the whole House to them for what they have done?
§ Mr. EdwardsI will do that, certainly.