HC Deb 30 June 1948 vol 452 cc2179-80

China: One cruiser, 8 harbour defence motor launches.

Denmark: Two frigates, 1 corvette.

France: Six frigates, 2 landing craft tank, 6 motor launches, 2 lifting craft.

Netherlands: One light fleet carrier, 7 destroyers, 1 submarine, 8 minesweepers, 16 motor minesweepers, 3 open launches. 3 river minesweepers, 2 harbour defence motor launches, 6 landing craft tank, 1 medium speed picket boat, 1 motor fishing vessel.

Norway: Seven destroyers, 5 submarines, 3 corvettes, 2 minesweepers, 2 motor minesweepers, 10 motor torpedo boats.

Portugal: Four anti-submarine/minesweeping trawlers, 1 minesweeper, 2 harbour defence motor launches.

Siam: Two corvettes, 1 minesweeper.

Turkey: Two minesweepers. 4 motor minesweepers.

10. Commander Noble

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any further statement to make on the negotiations regarding the transfer of H.M.S. "Ajax" to the Government of Chile; and if the date of transfer has yet been fixed.

Mr. Dugdale

No, Sir.

Commander Noble

Does not the Minister consider it rather illogical that we should be considering transferring a ship to a country with whom we have an outstanding dispute before the International Court?

Mr. Dugdale

I have said that the matter is under consideration. In due course, a statement will be made.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Has the Board of Admiralty taken into consideration the feelings of the Royal Navy when they see the historic "Ajax" flying the Chilean flag in Valparaiso harbour?

Mr. Dugdale

I have no doubt that we shall certainly take into consideration the feelings of the Royal Navy, and they will be expressed to us by those now serving in the Royal Navy.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that when H.M.S. "Ajax" is sold to Chile, the cruiser force will be reduced and that a force of 50 cruisers is totally inadequate for this country in the event of war?

Sir Ronald Ross

Will the Parliamentary Secretary make it a condition precedent of the sale of a ship to any foreign country that that foreign country should evacuate any illegally occupied British territory?

Mr. Dugdale

No, Sir. Obviously, that is a question for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.