§ Mr. Callaghanasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what existing types of aircraft H.M.S. "Formidable" can operate; and what modification would be necessary to enable her to operate the "Gannet."
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasH.M.S. "Formidable" is in a very bad state and would require very extensive repairs before she could operate any aircraft at all. If all existing defects were repaired, some equipment reinstalled, and other items of equipment replaced by more up-to-date versions, she could operate "Sea-fires," "Fireflies" and possibly "Sea Furies." To operate "Gannets," major alterations to the flight and hangar decks, and provision of a new lift, a new catapult and new arrester wire units would also be necessary.