§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to how many orders have been placed for the Royal Indian Navy since it was inaugurated by the Viceroy on 6th February, 1926?
§ Mr. BENNI have been asked to reply. It will be remembered that the Royal Indian Marine has not been converted into an Indian Navy, but that it has been reorganised on a combatant basis. This has resulted in the placing of orders for one new sloop, and for the additional requirements, such as gunnery and mine-sweeping equipment, that are necessary to enable the force to undertake its new functions. Apart from this, orders have been placed in the ordinary course for stores required for current maintenance.