HC Deb 04 July 1951 vol 489 cc2299-300
20. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the future of H.M.R.A.F.S. "Adastral"; how long she has spent at Portsmouth Dockyard; how much has been spent on fitting her with equipment which has subsequently been removed; what was the cost of removing this equipment; and what proportion of her establishment of signal flags is in fact aboard her now.

Mr. Crawley

As part of the general expansion of the Royal Air Force it has been decided to take the "Adastral" out of reserve and complete its conversion as a flying boat depôt ship. The vessel has been at Portsmouth since 6th September, 1948. At the time of the decision to place the ship in reserve, equipment which had cost £450 to fit was removed at a cost of £285. While out of commission the ship carries no signal flags.

Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

Can the hon. Gentleman say how the signal flags disappeared from the ship?

Mr. Crawley

I am afraid not.