§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current strength of the Mediterranean Fleet, and, in view of the need to withdraw units of this Fleet for temporary service in East African waters, whether he is satisfied that there is an adequate number of ships suitable for overseas duties of this nature.
§ Mr. MayhewIt is not the custom to give detailed information about the deployment of H.M. ships: but it is not unusual for the Mediterranean Station to provide ships for temporary deployment to other stations and there are often temporary attachments to the Mediterranean from the Home Fleet. Reinforcements could quickly be made available, if necessary. I should like to have more ships 165W to meet current commitments, but with the best deployment of what we have, the Fleet, although heavily extended, is doing an admirable job.