§ 34. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a statement about the future of H.M.S. "Thunderer", the Royal Naval Engineering College.
§ The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Christopher Soames)On completion of the present building programme at Manadon, the Royal Navy will possess a fully equipped engineering university to accommodate 350 officers. Training will continue as 371 at present in basic engineering subjects, and advanced marine, ordnance and air engineering, while current developments in nuclear engineering are included in the curriculum.
§ Mr. BottomleyWhile I congratulate those responsible upon meeting the needs of the modern Navy, is it not the case that the site will not permit the expansion of the College which will be necessary? Why was not the long-neglected site of the Royal Marine Barracks, Chatham, considered?
§ Mr. SoamesThe site was chosen in 1939, and building was held up owing to the war. The Royal Naval Engineering College always has been near Devonport. It was previously at Keyham. We believe that the site selected will fulfil all our requirements.