§ 6. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of State for Defence what has been the total cost of the Royal Yacht "Britannia" since it was built, including current and capital costs.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Peter Kirk)About £8½ million since she entered service in 1954. This does not include the cost of construction which was a little over £2 million.
§ Mr. HamiltonIn view of the age of the ship, is there any immediate prospect of building a new one? Why is no chance given on the party Whips for hon. Members to visit this ship of war?
§ Mr. KirkWe have no plans for building a new one, and what goes on the party Whip is no concern of mine.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesI think that my hon. Friend will be able to assure the House that hon. Members have been invited to take trips in the ship in the past, and that those who have gone have considered the money spent on her to have been very well spent.