HC Deb 15 February 1965 vol 706 cc842-3
38. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many days it is proposed that H.M.S. "Britannia" will be at sea during 1965; for what purposes; and for what purposes the ship will be used when it is not used for ceremonial visits.

Mr. Mayhew

H.M. Yacht "Britannia" will complete refit and survey at Portsmouth in April. I cannot forecast Her Majesty's requirements for the remainder of the year.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister give us an idea of the approximate cost of this refit, because there have been so many expensive refits? Will he consult the President of the Board of Trade to see if the vessel cannot be put as an exhibition ship for increasing our export drive?

Mr. Mayhew

I gave an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 25th January about the cost of the refit. As to my hon. Friend's suggestion, "Britannia" makes an excellent impression already overseas and earns her keep in her present rôle.

Brigadier Clarke

Does the Minister realise that these refits are very well carried out and are well worth the money spent on them?

Mr. Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I give notice that I will raise it on the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.