HC Deb 23 March 1949 vol 463 cc358-9
29. Mr. Donner

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has now been taken regarding the future of H.M.S. "Ajax."

Mr. Dugdale

No, Sir.

Mr. Donner

Will the Parliamentary Secretary take the House into his confidence and explain how it is that for something like a year now the Government have been unable to decide not to sell to a foreign Power this ship which is connected with a gallant and, indeed, an immortal action in our naval history?

Mr. Dugdale

I realise that the time has been rather long and I have said in the past that I would make a statement before long. I hope the House will believe me when I say now I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly and by "shortly" I mean within about three or four weeks.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Will the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that neither the "Ajax" nor any other of His Majesty's ships, will be sold to Chile while that country is in occupation of British territory in the Falkland Islands?

Mr. Dugdale

I cannot anticipate the statement I shall make shortly.