asked the Prime Minister whether he will inquire into the reasons which have prevented the adoption of the type of anchored seadrome whose feasibility and value were recognised by the Plans Division of the Admiralty two years ago, but without resulting in effective action, as a protection against submarine warfare, to reduce shipping losses and facilitate the flying across the Atlantic of short-range aeroplanes now requiring shipment?

I have been asked to reply. The reasons why the anchored seadrome has not been adopted are substantially the same as those which were given by my hon. Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty in his reply on 20th May to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. Wakefield).