§ 24. Mr. Willisasked the Civil Lord of Admiralty what change has been made in the proposed date of commencement of work on the rebuilding of the living accommodation of H.M.S. "Caledonia".
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingI regret that it has not yet been possible to make a start on this scheme. I have the whole question under review, but am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. WillisIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he told us that this was to be commenced this year? Does he still intend to keep to that arrangement?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingNo. I am sorry to say that I am afraid that things have slowed down a little bit on the building work itself, although we are going on with the design, because of the priorities which have to go in other directions, so that it is unlikely to start now this year.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardWill my hon. Friend assure the House that although modernisation of the "Caledonia" is somewhat delayed, he is satisfied with the programmes of building at other schools?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI can assure my hon. Friend that modernisation or new building is going on at a number of other schools—at "Excellent", "St. Vincent" "Ganges", "Fisguard", and a number of others as well.
§ Mr. WillisIn view of the fact that the Admiralty seems not to be keeping its promises in connection with this now, will the hon. Gentleman consider reducing the period of time expected to be taken for this building?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI will certainly look at this, but we have to give priority to urgent operational tasks and we also have to remember a number of other obligations which we have. I am sorry that in this particular case it has slipped a few months.