HC Deb 05 May 1939 vol 346 c2229W
Mr. Pilkington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the establishment of the Royal Navy, its present strength, and its strength a year ago?

Mr. Shakespeare

The establishment of the Royal Navy (including Royal Marines) is 133,000, this figure being the maximum bearing to be reached during the present financial year. The strength on the 31st March, 1939, was 122,073; the corresponding figure for the 31st March, 1938, was 111,810.