§ 12. Mr. Dormandasked the Minister of State for Defence what was the cost of the refit recently completed on the Royal Yacht "Britannia", and the time taken for the work involved.
§ Mr. BuckThe refit of the Royal Yacht "Britannia" began on 2nd October 1972 and was completed, as planned, on 6th July 1973. The cost was £1,767,000. This is, of course, within the estimate of £1.8 million which I gave the House last December.—[Vol. 848, c. 212.]
§ Mr. DormandIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread concern about the amount of the expenditure on the Royal Yacht? Is he further aware of the resentment about such expenditure at a time of severe curtailment of expenditure on such matters as schools and hospitals? Is it too much to ask that the Royal couple who are to spend their honeymoon on board and the hangers-on who use this luxury liner should occasionally make a contribution to the cost of this very expensive face-lift?
§ Mr. BuckI do not agree with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Gentleman, nor do I find the resentment of which he speaks. A contribution to the cost is made by the young Royal couple who are to spend part of their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht. It is anticipated that the ship will not have to be rerouted or its programming altered in any way because of their spending some weeks of their honeymoon on it. I think that the House will unite with me in wishing them a very happy time free from publicity.