andMr. Cott asked the Minister for Defence if in the event of an emergency it would be possible to man fully this country's Naval Service ships afloat; and, if so, if he is satisfied that he would have the necessary personnel to do so.

Apart from executive branch officers of whom there is at present a shortage, sufficient personnel are available in the Naval Service to man the existing Naval Service ships afloat. Steps are being taken to remedy the shortage of executive branch officers.

Should a state of emergency arise, naval officers of the Reserve Defence Force would be available.

Could the Minister tell the House why there is a shortage of naval personnel?

Mainly because of the competition from the Merchant Navy.

70,000 unemployed.

From time to time we have improved the conditions and we are having a look at them again now.

The Minister would need to improve the conditions.

Is it not wrong, then, for the Minister to say that all the naval vessels could put to sea when there is a shortage of executive officers and is it not the case that only two of the three could put to sea?

Should an emergency arise, naval officers of the Reserve Defence Force would be available.