HC Deb 07 May 1958 vol 587 cc1191-2
1. Mr. Wall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of aircraft carriers or support carriers that have been built or are being built in 1958, and the amount to be spent on these vessels during this year.

The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Robert Allan)

As indicated in my noble Friend's Explanatory Statement on the Navy Estimates, 1958–59, "Hermes" is the only aircraft carrier under construction. The amount to be spent on her construction during the current financial year will be £2½ million.

Mr. Wall

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is anxiety that the rate of disposal of Her Majesty's vessels is far greater than the rate of replacement? Is he satisfied that the rate of replacement indicated in his Answer is sufficient?

Mr. Allan

Yes, Sir. We prefer to modernise existing carriers. This is cheaper, and also quicker, and speed is important in view of the developments being made in aircraft and guided weapons.

2. Mr. Wall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many aircraft carriers or support carriers it is proposed to dispose of in 1958; and what is the annual cost of maintaining these ships in care and maintenance.

Mr. R. Allan

Five, Sir. They are not in care and maintenance. At the moment, each ship requires an annual expenditure of less than £1,000.

Mr. Wall

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the rate of disposal of these ships is really giving us an economy? We all want to observe economy in defence, but may not it turn out to be false economy when these vessels could still be used as anti-submarine carriers in time of war?

Mr. Allan

I do not think that there is need, or that there is likely to be need, for any additional carriers. At the moment, we have six other carriers, either with the fleet or being made ready for it, and, further, we have another two carriers which are not in the category mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Wigg

Would not it be right to say that if we had more carriers we would have no more aircraft to put in them?