§ Mr. Denvilleasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether steps can be taken to protect British piers from drifting mines; and, if so, to what extent the Admiralty will co-operate with local authorities and other pier-owning interests with regard to this matter before the forthcoming holiday season?
§ Mr. ShakespeareWhile patrol vessels do all in their power to prevent mines reaching our shores, this cannot always be prevented. The danger referred to by my hon. Friend is realised, and the Admiralty will gladly co-operate with local authorities. Arrangements will be made to enable local authorities to be instructed in the safest methods of towing mines clear of piers to sheltered waters where they can be beached and made innocuous by naval personnel.