§ LORD STRICKLANDasked whether His Majesty's Government will give information as to the cost of repairs when H.M.S. "Furious" touched ground in Malta harbour, notwithstanding the assistance of seven tugs, because of shortage of anchorage room, and whether information can be given as to the actuarial value of insurance per aircraft carrier against a recurrence of similar events, (a) under present conditions, and (b) if the south-east bay were enclosed.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (EARL STANHOPE)On the occasion to which I assume my noble friend to refer it was at first suspected that H.M.S. "Furious" had touched ground while being berthed, but subsequent examination showed that this was not the case. The damage discovered, which was of negligible proportions, was caused before the vessel reached Malta. In the circumstances, the second and third parts of the question hardly arise, but it may be added that hypotheses such as the noble Lord presents do not lend themselves to actuarial calculations.
House adjourned at twenty-two minutes past six o'clock.