§ Dame Irene Wardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has considered the telegram sent to the Admiralty by the Merchant Navy and Air Line Officers' Association endorsing eminent naval opinion with regard to the inadequacy of the Royal Navy to provide a defence for merchant ships; and what action is being taken to ensure that confidence in the preparedness of the Royal Navy to undertake its obligations is fully restored.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe Admiralty gives constant consideration to the effective defence of the Merchant Navy against any threat at sea. When the Atlantic Congress has been meeting in London it is particularly appropriate to remember that our maritime defence is based on the closest co-operation with our naval allies.