§ 5. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Defence in connection with the unnamed frigate built by Yarrow on the Clyde for ex-President Nkrumah of Ghana, at a cost of £5 million and put up for sale by his Department more than a year ago, what offers he has received for purchase; and what disposal arrangements he is now making, including consideration of use by the Royal Navy.
§ The Minister of Defence for Equipment (Mr. John Morris)I would refer to the reply to the similar Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Arundel and Shoreham (Captain Kerby) on 6th November, 1968.—[Vol. 772, c. 103.]
§ Sir G. NabarroThat reply was entirely unsatisfactory. Why is the Department permitting this vessel, which I dubbed more than a year ago the "Ghanaian Gin Palace", to lie immobilised on the Clyde? Why can it not 378 be put to useful purpose, and converted, if necessary, for Royal Navy use?
§ Mr. MorrisIt is obvious that the hon. Member has not read the Question and Answer to which I referred him. As to the last part of his question, the Royal Navy has no requirement for this frigate. This is entirely the responsibility of the Ghana Government.