HC Deb 07 December 1967 vol 755 cc1655-6
28 and 29. Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he will take steps to ensure that historic ships are preserved and used for educational purposes;

(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that H.M.S. "Warrior" and "Unicorn" are preserved and used for educational purposes.

Miss Bacon

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence that discussions on the future of H.M.S. "Unicorn" will shortly take place between his Department and the Dundee Corporation and other interested parties. The use of such facilities as would be offered by the preservation of H.M.S. "Warrior" and other old ships when they go out of commission is a matter for consideration by interested voluntary bodies and possibly by local education authorities.

Mr. Smith

I thank the right hon. Lady for that, on the whole, hopeful reply. Is she aware that there is just a small handful of such ships left, soon to disappear, and that they could be a potent source of education, and inspiration, for our children out of all proportion to the cost of keeping them?

Miss Bacon

Yes, of course, there are possibilities for the educational use of old ships—for instance, the provision of courses in them—and their use for youth service purposes, but this is essentially a matter for the local education authorities to decide.

Mr. Hamling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that her Department already helps the training ship "Foudroyant" to some limited extent and that it would be useful if the Department could increase that support?

Miss Bacon

This is a slightly different question and, as far as the discussions with Dundee are concerned, my hon. Friend will recognise, of course, that this is primarily a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland.