35. Mr. J. P. L. Thomasasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a statement showing the progress made in the reconstitution of the Fleets to appropriate peacetime strength, in accordance with the proposals made in the Statement accompanying the 1948–49 Navy Estimates.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsSatisfactory progress has been made in the planned build-up of the Navy. This is evidenced by the start tomorrow of the Home Fleet on its Autumn Cruise.
Mr. ThomasCan the hon. Gentleman say if the cruiser and destroyer strengths are up to the figures given in the White Paper which accompanied the Naval Estimates this year; and whether, in view of the changed international conditions, the Government will consider issuing a revised programme, as the one issued at the time of the Naval Estimates is rather out of date?
§ Mr. EdwardsAt the moment, we are not prepared to issue a further White Paper on the subject, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that, as far as cruiser and destroyer strengths are concerned, they have, more or less, been kept in accordance with the White Paper.
§ Commander GalbraithIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to state the present strength of the Home Fleet?
§ Mr. EdwardsNot at the moment.
§ Commander NobleCould the Civil Lord confirm the recent reports in the Press that a large number of destroyers and escort vessels have been brought forward for refit?
§ Mr. EdwardsWe are always refitting destroyers and escort vessels, and this work has been going on for a long time.
§ Commander NobleHave any special steps been taken recently?
§ Mr. EdwardsThe work has been speeded up in accordance with the Government's policy.