asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider recommending that the Merchant Navy be granted the prefix of "Royal" to mark the gratitude of the country for their courage and endurance and excellent services?

I have been asked to reply. My noble Friend the Minister of War Transport fully shares the admiration and gratitude for the work of the Merchant Navy which prompts this Question. But, unlike the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy does not consist of vessels owned or in normal times controlled by the Crown nor is its personnel enrolled in a public service in the accepted sense of that term. My noble Friend therefore takes the view that the suggestion is not one which could be appropriately submitted.

Could some other means be devised of showing the nation's gratitude to this gallant band of men?

I think that everyone in this House and throughout the country is most grateful to these very gallant officers and men.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite:

Would not the best method of appreciation be improved status and conditions for these officers and men?

I think we are improving them with every week that passes.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite:

Will that be continued in the post-war period?

I should require notice of that Question.