Armament Vessel "Amherst"

HC Deb 17 December 1952 vol 509 cc1371-2

12. Dr. Bennett

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the naval armament vessel "Amherst" has not been made a Royal Fleet auxiliary.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

The "Amherst" is manned and managed in the same way as was the "Bedenham," which she replaced; but the conditions of service of the officers and crews of the "Amherst" and of other smaller naval armament carrying ships are now under consideration.

Dr. Bennett

Is it not a fact that this ship is used to some extent for trooping duties, as she is a very old and rather decrepit passenger ship? Would she not be more effective if she could be brought under the Royal Fleet Auxiliary so that the passenger accommodation, of which there is very much, could be more thoroughly used than by the use of only 12 cabins, as at present?

Mr. Thomas

The whole question is under consideration. I must admit to my hon. and gallant Friend that certain anomalies exist in this case. I am quite prepared to take them into account during my further consideration.