HC Deb 17 June 1958 vol 589 cc68-9W
Captain Kerby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why 13 frigates of the "Castle" Class are to be disposed of, in view of the sale of four ships of this class to the Air Ministry for further duties as ocean weather ships; and why their anti-submarine and close range weapons are to be retained on board these four ships, in view of the obsolescence of other units of this class which have, in some cases, seen less active service than those sold to the Air Ministry.

Mr. Allan

One "Castle" Class Frigate has been transferred to the Air Ministry as a weather ship and a further three are being held in reserve for the same purpose. The thirteen "Castle" Class Frigates referred to are being disposed of because they are surplus to requirements. Weapons are being retained in those converted to weather ships to meet wartime requirements.

Captain Kerby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what future employment is envisaged for the maintenance ships H.M.S.s "Mull of Kintyre", "Hartland Point" and "Rame Head", and the submarine depot ship H.M.S. "Maidstone" on completion of their major refits; and to what extent they will be used for operational service, in view of the abandonment of the formation of task forces, with accompanying support ships, which had previously been foreshadowed in the Statement on Defence for the financial year, 1957–58.

Mr. Allan

These support ships, which are being modernised, are essential to the flexible deployment of the Fleet. H.M. Ships "Hartland Point" and "Maidstone" will serve with the active Fleet, and H.M. Ships "Mull of Kintyre" and "Rame Head" will be placed in operational reserve.

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