HC Deb 29 April 1953 vol 514 cc2141-2
46. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the "Britannia," recently launched in Clyde-bank, is to be completed; and what would be the estimated cost of making the necessary alterations to make the vessel into a hospital ship.

Commander Noble

The "Britannia" is due to be completed by the end of this year. The cost of her conversion into a hospital ship is estimated to be between £160,000 and £200,000 at the present levels of costs.

Mr. Hughes

Would the Minister say if this sum is in addition to the £1,800,000 which is already estimated to be the cost of this royal yacht? Has his attention been drawn to the fact that President Eisenhower has just laid his yacht aside on the grounds that it is a useless symbol of luxury, and will he consider handing over this yacht to the hospital authorities in order that the sick may be taken care of?

Commander Noble

The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is, "Yes, Sir." With regard to the second part, I think the House will agree that the position here is very different to that in America. This yacht is to enable Her Majesty to travel vast distances to visit the Commonwealth and Empire, and I think that Her Majesty should have a yacht in accordance with our traditions as a maritime nation.

Mr. Shinwell

Without making any comment on the merits of the Question, do I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply that it is the intention of Her Majesty to use this yacht "Britannia" for the purpose of visiting the Commonwealth? Is it not the case that, if Her Majesty does go to the Commonwealth, she will use a warship?

Commander Noble

The purpose of this yacht is to enable Her Majesty to travel in the Commonwealth and Empire.