London, June 29.
Sir Thomas Inskip, the Minister for ' the Ca-Ordination of Defence, addressing a gathering of over 1,000 business men in the City of London, made important references to the progress in Britain's rearmament programme and the Government's plans in case of national emergency.
He declared that the Navy's readiness for her task is much greater than it was twelve months ago. Vast resources of oil fuel have already been accumulated. Britain's battleships- will be the best protected in the world. Her cruisers and de: troyers, having regard to trea limits,' will provide the highest standards in power and efficiency of gun armament possible to-day.
Provision has been made to store some of the most. important raw materials that would be required if an emergency should arise.
Considerable supplies of essential commodities are now available. Steps had been taken for increasing the food supplies of the country and for the supply and distribution of foodstuffs for the fighting and civil populations Sir Thomas said thit of the 123 air squadrons formed at home since rearmament began, all but one would be up to full strength by the end of July. The Minister added "nothing we propose is intended for aggression. It is for defence."—Wireless through Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.