§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations were made to him during recent discussions between leaders of the shipping industry and officials of his Department on the plans of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force Coastal Command for the security of British shipping in times of emergency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HealeyThe Shipping Defence Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, maintains liaison between the Ministry of Defence and British shipowners in order to plan in times of peace for the safety and protection of the British Merchant Fleet in time of war. The last meeting of the Committee was held on 2nd November, 1966, and information on Merchant Navy Defence which was requested by the representatives of the General Council of the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom has been supplied to them.