asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps are being taken to accumulate stocks of weapons and materials for the defensive armament of merchant ships in case of need.

Dual purpose weapons for defensively arming the Merchant Fleet in an emergency have been accumulated and suitably distributed throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that we have adequate stocks to meet an emergency?

Yes, I am satisfied about that; and as we get more guns of better quality for the Fleet it will be possible to improve the standard of defensive equipment for merchant ships.