Amphibious Warfare Squadron

HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 c690

27. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the Amphibious Squadron is now to be reconstituted; and where it is to be stationed.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

No, Sir. The present Amphibious Warfare Squadron will be paid off when the first of the new asault ships, H.M.S. "Fearless", is deployed east of Suez.

Mr. Wall

Does not the hon. Gentleman propose to bring the new assault ships and commando carriers together in one squadron to work with the Army logistic ships? Would that not be following the successful precedent set by the original Amphibious Squadron?

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

One of these assault ships will do more than the Amphibious Squadron.