§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasBecause of a reorganisation of the Home-based Minesweeping Squadrons, Her Majesty's Ship "Wave" will remain in Reserve when she has been repaired.
Dr. BennettCan my right hon. Friend assure the House that she is not structurally a total loss? Can he give any information about the estimated cost of repairs?
§ Mr. ThomasI can certainly assure my hon Friend that H.M.S. "Wave" is by no means a total loss. In fact it was an extremely good salvage operation by the Royal Navy, and we are also grateful to the local people for a great deal of help in many ways given to the crew of the "Wave" at that time. I am afraid that without notice I cannot give my hon. Friend the figures for which he asked.
§ Mr. HobsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the success of the salvage operation was the measure of the damage which the vessel had sustained? Is he further aware that it is common knowledge among dockyard workers that she needs a complete reconstruction.
§ Mr. ThomasI can assure the House that H.M.S. "Wave" is at the moment at Devonport Dockyard for permanent 1371 repairs. She goes in next month. I understand that the work will take about eight months, and she will then go into a high class of reserve and will be available for service at very short notice.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardIs my right hon. Friend aware that not only his statement today but their Lordships' expression of thanks will be extremely welcome to all those who did such a wonderful job in the salvage operation, both the local people and the salvage people?