SUBMARINE PERIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27387, 12 May 1950, Page 5

SUBMARINE PERIL

Britain Leads World In Research ROYAL NAVY’S ABILITY NZPA—Copyright Rec. 9.30 p.m. LONDON, May 11. Lord Hall, the First Lord of the Admiralty, said in the House of Lords last night that no naval Power in the world was ahead of Britain in research into fast submarines and : nti-sub-marine measures. He was replying to a debate on naval affairs, which was almost exclusively concerned with the navy’s readiness to meet the peril from submarines and mines. Lord Hall said that mines were now one of the most serious ■' threats in war. With their latest and numerous variations, they might well prove a greater threat to shipping than those of the last war. < A special experimental mine-sweep-ing flotilla was being commissioned this year, Lord Hall said, to work on mines that did n °t respond to orthodox sweeping methods. There was also being developed an anti-sub-marine frigate which could be turned out cheaply and in large numbers. Lord Hall proclaimed his complete confidence in the navy’s ability to meet any new challenge. Lord Hall was replying to the Conservative, Lord Teynham, who said the navy had not yet reached the strength' and preparedness to meet the danger of a war, “ possibly in three years.”