§ 25. Mr. Wallasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to start replacing the existing major amphibious craft such as the L.S.T. and L.C.T. 8.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe existing L.S.T.s and L.C.T.s, after routine and extended refits, still have some years of useful life. A replacement programme will be started before they come to the end of their hull life.
§ Mr. WallIs my hon. Friend aware that none of these ships is capable of keeping up with a commando carrier, and will he press forward with the development of a design of a new assault ship and lay it down as soon as possible?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingWe are aware that by present standards these L.S.T.s—and, particularly, L.C.T.s—are too slow, and we are keeping up with the latest technique and design efforts in the United States and elsewhere.