HC Deb 24 February 1960 vol 618 c360
29. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what arrangements are being made to turn over ships, sailing and pulling boats that are surplus to requirement to units of the Sea Cadet Corps or Admiralty qualified groups of Sea Scouts.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

We arrange for all surplus pulling and sailing craft to be offered on loan to the Sea Cadet Corps and naval sections of the Combined Cadet Force. Those craft not required are then offered for sale to Admiralty recognised units of the Sea Scouts.

Mr. Wall

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the best way in which the Admiralty can help these different organisations is by providing these craft which are expensive to buy? Is he satisfied that the supply meets the demand at present?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I am satisfied that up to the present the supply has met the demand. As to the future, I think it is a little more worrying, and we are surveying the matter to see whether in future the craft becoming available will be sufficient to replace those which are wearing out.

Commander Maitland

Will my hon. Friend also remember the needs of the Royal Hospital School at Holbrook?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

As chairman of the management committee of that school, I will bear its needs in mind. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that it will get the same consideration as the Sea Scouts, but we cannot allow these organisations to have these craft on Navy Votes.