HC Deb 20 March 1957 vol 567 cc361-3
10. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty his estimate of the expenditure on the "Britannia" for 1957.

Mr. Soames

It is not possible to predict with any precision what will be the cost of Her Majesty's Yacht "Britannia" during the calendar year 1957.

Firstly, it is not yet known for how many months of the year she will be in full commission, or how many miles she will steam; and secondly, it is not yet certain what work will be involved in her first major refit. which is due in the latter part of the year, until a survey has been completed.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister know that this £2,500,000 ship has cost £416,000 extra since she was in commission and until recently was costing £7,000 a week? Does not he think that we should actively consider economising on the ship? Does not he think that we would earn valuable dollars if we put her on the route between New York and Florida?

Mr. Soames

Strangely enough, I am aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member, because I gave them to him. He is looking at the problem in a purely materialistic form. It is impossible to estimate the value to the whole Commonwealth of this yacht and the use to which the Royal Family puts it.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is a source of great pride to those who have the honour to serve in the Royal Yacht, which it is extremely difficult for Service personnel to get into; that, therefore, a high standard is maintained, and that it is quite impossible to estimate in terms of £ s. d. the invaluable work carried out through the Commonwealth and the world by the Royal Yacht

Mr. Soames

I quite agree.

Mr. Shinwell

While in no way seeking to show any disrespect to the exalted personages who use this vessel, and recognising that it has some value in respect of Commonwealth relations, may I ask whether the bon. Gentleman does not agree that to spend £7,000 a week on a vessel of this kind is going a little bit too far? Is not it possible to effect some economies?

Mr. Soames

The fact remains that a vessel of this size and character costs a lot of money to maintain.