HC Deb 20 March 1968 vol 761 c396
15. Mr. Maddan

asked 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. Mason

None. 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. Maddan

When 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. Mason

Certainly.

Mr. Speaker

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

Will the Minister give consideration to the use of—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Question No. 16.