§ 8. Mr. Pattieasked the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to announce the placing of the order for the third through-deck cruiser.
§ Dr. GilbertI am not yet in a position to announce a decision.
§ Mr. PattieBut as the Government know that an agreement is required for more through-deck cruisers, would it not be more efficient and cost-effective to place a follow-on-order now with one of the yards where the work is being satisfactorily carried through, and where a need is already manifest for further work to be placed?
§ Dr. GilbertI hope that it will not be too long before I take a decision, but we have not yet decided where the next order will be placed.