I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty at what ports in the United Kingdom are 3/16 inch plates kept for repairing destroyers; and whether sufficient supplies of these plates for immediate repairs are now in stock at each one of the ports he names.

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 11th June, steps are being taken to secure an adequate reserve of these particular plates. In the meantime there are approximate sizes in stock at each of the Home Yards which can be utilised in lieu of the 3/16-inch plates should the occasion arise.