asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to specify a minimum strength for the British Navy below which it will not be allowed to fall in any circumstances?

The British Navy will be maintained at a strength which, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, will provide adequate security and enable this country to fulfil its commitments. It must be obvious to the hon. and gallant Member that it is quite impossible to specify the minimum strength which may be required in the future.