§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is satisfied that the expenditure of the money required to complete the Ark Royal and to build two further aircraft carriers is justified, in view of our need for fighting aircraft in this Country?
§ Sir T. INSKIPYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government are satisfied that substantial increases in the strength of the Fleet Air Arm cannot be averted or delayed in view of the essential importance of the Navy in preserving the sea communications of this country and in thus ensuring its supplies of seaborne food and raw materials.