HC Deb 22 April 1959 vol 604 cc376-7
25 and 26. Mr. Willis

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) how many coamings on H.M.S. "Eagle" have been cut away; on which decks they are situated; and how high these coamings are above sea level;

(2) an whose instructions coamings were cut away on H.M.S. "Eagle"; and to what extent it is intended to replace them.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Ten coamings or sills have been cut down or removed from Nos. 2, 3 and 4 decks in H.M.S. "Eagle." These decks are from 20–40 feet above the normal waterline. This action was taken on the instructions of the Captain of H.M.S. "Eagle," and is approved by the Board of Admiralty. The need for replacement of these sills will be reviewed in the course of the ship's modernisation.

Mr. Willis

Does not the Parliamentary and Financial Secretary agree that if these watertight doors are put in in order to ensure safety they should not be so readily removed? Has not someone been over-zealous?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

There has been absolutely no jeopardy to the safety of the ship as a result of this action.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Does my hon. Friend agree that if this action has been suggested by officers serving at sea, notably the commanding officer, it is hardly right for us to query the action of someone with that experience?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I agree with that remark of my hon. Friend.