HC Deb 19 July 1961 vol 644 c1212
2. Commander Kerans

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what plans he has for the future of H.M.S. "Surprise"; and how many days per year she spends at sea.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Excluding a normal ten week refit, the dispatch vessel H.M.S. "Surprise" has spent about half her time this year at sea taking part in exercises and visiting foreign ports. She is a valuable and economical unit of the Mediterranean Fleet, and we plan to keep her running for as long as possible.