§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the right hon. Gentleman whether in view of the fact that our naval harbours are no longer defended by submarine mines or Brennan torpedoes, and that boom defence has recently been shown to be inadequate and unreliable, he can state what steps are being taken to place the passive defence of these harbours on a satisfactory footing?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe question of improving the passive defences of our naval harbours is under consideration, but while such defences undoubtedly add to the security of a port they form one factor only in the general scheme by which the safety of our naval harbours is secured.