HC Deb 05 July 1967 vol 749 c1821
63. Mr. Murton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances his Department hired the fast patrol boat "Ferocity" from a south coast shipbuilding firm.

Mr. Foley

The "Ferocity" was required to replace a Royal Navy fast patrol boat which had to be withdrawn from an important trial at short notice.

Mr. Murton

Is it not a fantastic situation that we are now reduced to the state of having to rent boats?

Mr. Foley

It was a question whether we should cancel an important exercise because of the failure of one boat and its not being available. We decided to improvise and to hire one. This is the first occasion it has happened, and I hope that it will never happen again.