§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there are a large number of floating mines in the North Sea; whether adequate steps are being taken to rid the North Sea of this grave danger; and whether he has considered the equipment of trading vessels with light guns so that mines can be destroyed on sight?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is unfortunately true that there are a large number of floating mines in the North Sea, and I fear this is mevitable as long as the mined areas for the clearance of which Great Britain is not responsible remain in existence. I may mention that 108 drifting mines have been destroyed on and around the coasts of this country during the past two months. As regards the second part of the question, eight destroyers are employed on this work, and they are considered adequate for the purpose. As regards the last part of the question, light guns for mine-sweeping are supplied to trading vessels at the owners' request; rifles and ammunition for the same purpose are supplied to suitable trading vessels and fishing vessels.