§ Mr. E. Walkdenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) whether he is aware that the location and names of vessels in port and about to sail are openly announced through the post and by telephone and telegram by shipping companies when placing orders for ships' stores and supplies through agents, wholesalers and retailers, thus making known to many persons in various parts of the country vital information which may endanger 379W the pending movements and safety of such vessels; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this form of leakage of valuable information;
(2) whether it is essential for shipping companies to indicate or use the proper names of ships for commercial purposes when such vessels are in British ports under orders to sail or otherwise; and whether he will adopt a system of code names for identification and other purposes?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerSome means of identification of a ship is essential so that cargo, supplies and stores shall reach it; the management, loading, discharging, provisioning, fuelling, and manning of ships concern so many persons that the means of identification would have to be widely distributed, and, if the identification were in code, would become compromised in so short a time that the code would have to be changed at very frequent intervals—a course which would lead to confusion and might well lead to delay. It is well known to the enemy that ships are frequently leaving this country and the use of codes would not conceal that fact. I do not consider, therefore, that any general use of code names for ships would afford any greater measure of security than now exists. As I have already stated, the important thing is not to give away the exact times or dates of sailing or the routes to be followed. As my hon. Friend is aware, a special inquiry into cognate matters has been made by a High Court Judge, and my Noble Friend is now considering his report. Until decisions have been made, I would prefer to add nothing to the reply which I have made.