§ 9. Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallettasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what has been the approximate total expenditure on new construction and on major refits or modernisation, respectively, between V.J. Day and the most recent convenient date.
§ Mr. Orr-EwingAbout £370 million and £230 million, respectively, excluding repayment services, up to the end of November, 1958.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettDoes not the magnitude of these figures show that such deficiencies as there may be today cannot be laid at the door of Parliament for not having enough money?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI think it is true to say that both Parliament and the nation have always been sympathetic to the needs of the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. ShinwellHow many millions of pounds has it cost to modernise H.M.S. "Tiger"?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithAnd the "Ark Royal"?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it true that several million pounds have been spent on modernising H.M.S. Tiger"? Is there any justification for that? Is this vessel of any value in a future war?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingIt would be better to wait for our debate on the Estimates, which I believe is to take place next week, when I intend to enter into discussion on the subject of H.M.S. "Tiger" and how very much worth while it is for the Fleet of the future.