§ 12. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Defence how many landing craft are available to the Armed Forces; whether they are of modern design; and if he is satisfied with the position.
§ Mr. WatkinsonApart from the Commando carrier H.M.S. "Bulwark", there are 130 landing craft in commission or reserve. A substantial number of the smaller craft are of modern design. As I informed the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 11th November, the future of our amphibious forces is under consideration.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that mean that we shall scrap the landing craft no longer regarded as adequate for military purposes?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe second half of the Answer means, if I may tell the hon. Gentleman, that new designs for a replacement L.S.T. for the Army and a new design for a naval assault ship are now under consideration, and will be take into account in the study I have mentioned.
§ Commander MaitlandCan my right hon. Friend say when the larger landing craft were built?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI do not think that I could, without notice, but I quite accept that some of them are getting rather ancient.