HC Deb 18 February 1946 vol 419 c798
95. Mr. George Wallace

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is now in a position to indicate that the ss. "Aorangi," held at Hong Kong since 9th September, is now to be released from Admiralty service; and, if release is not possible is he prepared to take steps to arrange for this vessel to be manned by naval ratings.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

No, Sir. Until accommodation on shore at Hong Kong has been made available, it will be essential to retain "Aorangi" as a holding ship for men due for release in their Age and Service Groups and their reliefs. The Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet, has, however, been instructed to release her as soon as she can be spared from her present duties. I regret that manning difficulties make it impossible to man the ship with naval ratings.

Mr. Wallace

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is an urgent need at this moment for every available amount of shipping space we can procure, and that by this arrangement a number of merchant seamen are held stagnant at Hong Kong, when they are urgently needed for the repatriation of troops from Australia?

Mr. Edwards

The question of merchant seamen is one for the Ministry of War Transport, but I can assure my hon. Friend we will release this ship as soon as we possibly can, and the merchant seamen with it.