§ 74. Mr. Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the fire in H.M.S. "Osprey" on Tuesday, 28th April, 1964.
§ Mr. HayThe Chief Petty Officer's mess and dormitory and part of the Petty Officer's mess attached at H.M.S. "Osprey" was destroyed by fire on 28th April. The building was of wood and corrugated iron construction and burnt fiercely fanned by a strong wind. Most of the residents were on leave at the time. There was no casualties.
The Fire Party of H.M.S. "Osprey" was supported promptly by the Portland and Weymouth Fire Brigades and by service equipment from the naval base at Portland.
A Board of Inquiry has been held and its report is awaited.
The building was scheduled for replacement by a new block in permanent construction which will be started shortly and completed in about two years time. Meanwhile the senior ratings displaced by the fire are housed in temporary accommodation in H.M.S. "Osprey".