HC Deb 24 November 1965 vol 721 cc494-5
17. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future rôle of the Royal Navy.

Mr. Healey

The precise tasks of all three Services are being studied in the course of the Defence Review, but no change is envisaged in the basic rôle of the Navy.

Mr. Hamling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been reports of a very severe reduction in the rôle of the Royal Navy? Is he aware that that would cause great concern among many people already in the Service?

Mr. Healey

Yes, Sir. I am aware of all those reports, but I must ask my hon. Friend to wait until decisions are taken.