§ 43. Brigadier Headasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many new motor torpedo boats have been built and commissioned since the end of the war.
§ Mr. CallaghanTwenty-four, Sir.
§ Brigadier HeadIs the hon. Gentleman aware that those responsible for constructing these vessels state that between 1945 and now nothing like that number-have been made, and that they have had to pay off men and close their yards through lack of orders? Is he aware that his answer is misleading to the House?
§ Mr. CallaghanNo, Sir.
§ Brigadier HeadIf it is not misleading, may I ask him whether, in referring to 24 vessels, he is referring to vessels started during the war but not completed then and re-started recently?
§ Mr. CallaghanI am answering the Question, which asked how many M.T.B.s. have been built and commissioned since the end of the war.