§ 27. Mr. Dribergasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to what extent new ships that are likely to be used for service in tropical climates are equipped with air-conditioning.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingAll new designs of Her Majesty's ships likely to serve in the tropics will have air-conditioning, but a number of ships of existing designs cannot be fitted with complete installations, so that it will be some years before all ships in the fleet are fully air-conditioned. In the meantime we have fitted ships stationed in the Persian Gulf and other hot climates with air-conditioning units in important compartments, including living spaces.
§ Mr. DribergDoes it follow from that answer that when new ships are being designed and built air-conditioning equipment is regarded as an integral part of the basic design and not as a luxury extra to be fitted in if and where it can be?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingAir-conditioning is a basic part of new design.