HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc445-6
29. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he intends to take to expedite the supply of radar spares for "Leander" class frigates.

Mr. John Morris

In general, there is no difficulty about the supply of radar spares for "Leander" class frigates. A redesigned power unit is currently being installed in one of the radar sets fitted on these frigates, and adequate shore stocks of this unit are now held to meet any emergency requirements.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Not in general perhaps but in particular there is a great shortage. Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that this shortage is not due to a general rundown in stocks and spares or war stocks through the economies of the Government?

Mr. Morris

I can give that assurance to the hon. and gallant Gentleman. There was no rundown of spares. Indeed, the reverse was the case. This concerned the installation of a new set in place of an old set. In the particular case which I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind—H.M.S. "Danae"—a replacement ordered failed on test. The position for the future is satisfactory.