§ 15. Mr. Maddanasked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimates he has made of the comparative costs of constructing a merchant-type ship with a flat top and of converting an aircraft carrier for commando purposes.
§ Mr. MasonNone. Sir. The present commando ships will be running into the 1970's and the question of their replacement will have to be decided in the light of our future rôle in Europe.
§ Mr. MaddanWhen decisions are being considered about this, will the Minister take very great care that the rather old-fashioned standards of naval architects which are perhaps irrelevant to Commando ships do not hamper the possibility of the most effective deployment of the Commando?
§ Mr. SpeakerRear-Admiral Morgan Giles.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesWill the Minister give consideration to the use of—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Question No. 16.