§ 36. Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that sufficient effort is being devoted to naval mining and counter-mining warfare; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FoleyYes, Sir. We have a useful mine warfare capability; minelaying and mine countermeasures exercises are regularly carried out.
§ Mr. PowellDoes the Minister not agree that the disquieting defence White Paper this year contains no reference at all, under the heading of research and development, to the menace of the modern mine and the means of combating it?
§ Mr. FoleyI can assure the right hon. Gentleman that in fact there is constantly re-examination of measures to be taken. There is research and development analyses going on the whole time.
§ Mr. SpeedIs it proposed to equip all coastal minesweepers in commission with mine detection Sona?