OLDER CRUISERS AND DESTROYERS (RE-ARMING). (Hansard, 22 February 1939)

§ 38. Mr. Day (for Mr. David Adams)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what progress is being made with the re-arming of older cruisers and destroyers for convoy purposes; how many ships of this type are scheduled for conversion; and whether the delivery of equipment for such vessels is up to schedule?

§ Colonel Llewellin
The programme for re-arming older cruisers and destroyers is proceeding satisfactorily. The necessary equipment for such conversion is being delivered according to plan. We hope in due course to convert the majority of these vessels.

§ Mr. Day
Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what is meant by "in due course "?

§ Colonel Llewellin
The work is proceeding as quickly as possible, and we have several vessels in hand at the moment.

§ Mr. Kirkwood
May we be informed whether it is the policy of the Government not to scrap anything connected with the Navy, but to lay-up instead? Is it a policy of "lay-up and build," instead of "scrap and build"?

§ Colonel Llewellin
That, of course, is a much wider question.