§ 8. Miss Vickersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what ships are being refitted in Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport; and to what extent modernisation of sleeping quarters, messrooms and galleys is being undertaken at the same time.
§ Mr. R. AllanOne aircraft carrier, one cruiser, five destroyers, six frigates and twenty-three other vessels of various types are being modernised or refitted in Devonport Dockyard at the present time.
As a matter of policy, the Admiralty attaches great importance to improving the standard of habitability. The extent to which this policy can be implemented in ships refitting depends on the length of the refit. When ships are in hand for modernisation or extended refit—as, for instance, "Centaur", "Belfast" and "Rame Head", in hand at Devonport—they receive sleeping bunks, modern galley equipment and improvements to bathrooms and mess spaces are made. During shorter refits as much is done as time permits.
§ Miss VickersI should like to thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. I have had the opportunity of visiting some of these ships. I should like to know whether my hon. Friend's Answer includes air conditioning in the modernisation.
§ Mr. AllanThe question of air conditioning is very important. Where ships are definitely committed to serve in hot climates, they are fully air conditioned. May I give as an example the "Loch" class frigates which are at present in the Persian Gulf? In other ships partial air conditioning is fitted as the opportunity offers. Regarding new construction, G.P. frigates, now building, and later ships will be fully air conditioned.