HC Deb 14 November 1951 vol 493 c953
4. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total cost of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. "Eagle."

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

I am not yet in a position to state the total cost of H.M.S. "Eagle," but I hope that it will be possible to give a close estimate of the figure in the forthcoming Navy Estimates for 1952–53.

Mr. Hughes

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the Select Committee's evidence and reports, in which the cost of the previous aircraft carrier was given as more than£14 million? Will he say if this one was more, or less, and if we are to order any more?

Mr. Thomas

To borrow a phrase from a colleague, I would reply that the bon. Member cannot expect me to anticipate my Navy Estimates.