§ 8. Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he proposes to take any steps to draw public attention to the importance of Her Majesty's submarine service to the defence of the United Kingdom.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. A. E. P. Duffy)I am happy to take every opportunity to draw public attention to the importance to the defence of the United Kingdom of the Royal Navy as a whole, of which the submarine service is a vital part.
§ Mr. ViggersWill the Minister join me in paying tribute to the trustees of the Submarine Memorial Appeal museum which is to be in Gosport? Will he confirm that, as the trustees have raised £295,000 of the £350,000 that is needed for the museum, HMS "Alliance" will form part of the museum and will be donated by the Royal Navy on the terms already suggested?
§ Mr. DuffyI am anxious to associate myself with the hon. Gentleman's sentiments. I confirm that the Admiralty Board, with Parliament's approval, has made a gift of HMS "Alliance." the last of the A-class submarines, on a 60-year loan to the museum trustees. The response to the appeal fund has been so good that the trustees have announced their intention to go ahead with the major part of the scheme.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsCan my right hon. Friend find space in the museum for the submarine at present located in Scotland?
§ Mr. TrotterWill the Minister give consideration to ordering a new class of conventional submarine, having regard not 944 only to the need to replace those that exist in the Royal Navy but to the export opportunities for this type of ship, which would be of great assistance to British shipbuilders?
§ Mr. DuffyI confirm that we are considering a possible requirement for a new class of diesel-powered conventional submarine; and we are mindful of the export potential.