HC Deb 25 November 1971 vol 826 c1523
9. Rear Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Minister of State for Defence what are his plans for the future of H.M.S. "Ganges" at Shotley.

The Under-Secretary for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Peter Kirk)

We are still considering the long-term future of the establishment after the school-leaving age is raised.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Has my hon. Friend had the opportunity to discuss with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science the proposal made in the Defence Estimates earlier this year about 15-year old recruitment after the school-leaving age has been raised?

Mr. Kirk

I cannot add anything to the answer on this subject given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Ralph Howell) on 19th November in which he said that he was in consultation with his right hon. Friend.—[Vol. 826, c. 225.]

Mr. Wellbeloved

Does the hon. Gentleman's review of this matter extend to a review of the intolerable practice of sending these boys to naval detention quarters?

Mr. Kirk

That is all under consideration, as the hon. Gentleman knows.