§ 11. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the cost of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. "Victorious", and the estimated weekly cost of running it.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingI presume the hon. Member is referring to the modernisation of H.M.S. "Victorious". which was completed in December, 1957, at a cost of nearly £20 million. The cost of oil fuel and other naval stores used in the ship is estimated at about £9,000 a week, and the pay and allowances of her officers and men amount to about £25,000 a week.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government have given such warm support to Mr. Krushchev's proposals for total disarmament, can the hon. Member say whether this ship could be adapted for giving cruises to old-age pensioners?