§ 26. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what reasons His Majesty's ship "Spey" has been withdrawn from assisting the Fishery Board cruisers and taken to Sheerness to be broken up; whether any vessel is to take her place; and, if so, whether he will see that this ship is not a vessel due to be scrapped, but one capable of giving confidence to the fishing communities?
§ Sir S. HOAREHis Majesty's ship "Spey" has been withdrawn as her period of useful service has ended, and she is being relieved in the Fishery Protection Flotilla by a new coastal sloop, His Majesty's ship "Kingfisher," which was completed last year. I have no reason to suppose either that the "Spey" did not, or that the "Kingfisher" will not, give confidence to the fishing communities.
§ Mr. MACLEANAm I to understand that the sloop that is to take the place of His Majesty's ship "Spey" is to be placed in Scottish waters and under the Scottish Fishery Board?
§ Sir S. HOAREI imagine the conditions will be the same for the new ship as they were for the old, but I will look into the hon. Member's supplementary question.
§ Sir RONALD ROSSAre not these converted cruisers very dangerous in bad weather, and is not the new ship which is to replace the "Spey" a much more effective unit for the purpose?
§ Sir S. HOAREI imagine that would be the case?