HC Deb 06 February 1963 vol 671 cc436-7
25. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what are the expected completion dates for H.M.S. "Fearless" and H.M.S. "Intrepid".

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

My noble Friend said on 11th July last that these two assault ships, H.M.S. "Fearless" and "Intrepid", would join the Fleet in about three years' time—that is, in 1965. There is no reason to alter that forecast.

Mr. Wall

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that this time cannot be reduced? Does it compare reasonably with that of comparable foreign yards?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

The assault ship is unique in this country and the U.S.A. So far as I know—I have not got comparable figures—and my hon. Friend will know, they work the shift system more intensely in the United States than we do in this country.