§ 14 and 15. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) how many days the "Britannia" is to be away from port during her forthcoming visit to Caribbean waters; how many officers and men will be on board; what will be their pay for this period; what is the cost of their maintenance; what is the cost of fuel; and what he estimates to be the total cost of this voyage;
(2) how long it is proposed that the "Britannia" is to spend in Mediterranean waters; what is the estimated cost; and what are the future movements of this ship.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasHer Majesty's Yacht "Britannia" is to leave Portsmouth on 18th January; she will arrive at Gibraltar on the return journey from the Caribbean on 8th March. Twenty-two officers and 249 ratings will be on board. Their pay during the period will amount to£16,000 and the cost of their maintenance will be£2,900. It is estimated that the fuel used will cost between£10,000 and£11,000. The Royal Yacht is expected to stay in the Mediterranean until about 26th March. Her Majesty's instructions for the yacht's subsequent programme have not yet been received.
I am afraid I cannot give realistic estimates of the total costs of these two voyages. The greater part of the expenditure would anyway have been incurred as a consequence of the decision to have a Royal Yacht in commission—a decision welcomed by the Board of Admiralty and, I am sure, by this House
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the House is not as enthusiastic about the very great expenditure on this vessel as he has suggested? Is he aware that, in addition to the "Britannia" going to the Caribbean, a strato-cruiser aircraft has been chartered at an enormous cost? Does he not think that this expenditure needs to be thoroughly scrutinised with a view to saving the taxpayers' money?
§ Mr. ThomasThe question about the aircraft is one affecting my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies in connection with a tour to which I know the Colonial Office attaches the greatest importance. To send out the yacht on this occasion is considerably cheaper than chartering another suitable ship, which would have been necessary had the yacht itself not been available.
Mr. SmithersIs my right hon. Friend aware that the officers and men of the Royal Navy will welcome any opportunity to go to sea—and that this is a good opportunity—and that I shall be very content if they will take the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) with them?