§ 8. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the outcome of his survey of the ex-Ghanaian frigate lying in the Clyde; and whether he will now make a statement on her disposal.
§ Mr. KirkNow that arrangements to transfer ownership of the ship to Her Majesty's Government have been completed, she has been towed from the Clyde to Her Majesty's Dockyard, Portsmouth, for a survey to establish her state and value. A decision on her future will be taken when the results of the survey are available in a few months' time.
§ Sir G. NabarroDoes my hon. Friend realise that it is now five years since I began asking Questions about this ship—this gin-palace, as it has been called—provided by British funds at the same time as the Ghanaian double bed for Nkrumah? Could we not have an expeditious settlement of this matter to prevent British funds being tied up unnecessarily in this vessel?
§ Mr. KirkI am not certain which Minister is responsible for double beds. Certainly I am not. Since this ship has come into the ownership of Her Majesty's Government we are moving as fast as possible to establish what her condition is.