§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied, as a result of lessons learnt in Borneo, that hovercraft now have a definite place in the fleet of the future; and whether it is proposed to replace the three fast patrol boats now in commission with hovercraft in due course.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe trials of hovercraft in Borneo finished only last month, and the results have not yet been fully evaluated. The indications are, however, that hovercraft have a useful potential as fast patrol boats, and studies are already being undertaken with industry to determine their suitability and effectiveness in this rôle.