§ Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence whether, in view of the recent reinforcement of Her Majesty's armed forces in Ulster using assault ships, he will now reconsider the future of HMS "Intrepid" and HMS "Fearless", 469W giving his estimate of the percentage availability of assault ships to the Fleet following the transfer of HMS "Intrepid" to British Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, and the grounds for choosing HMS "Intrepid" in preference to HMS "Lion" in this training rôle.
§ Mr. KirkHMS "Fearless" and HMS "Intrepid" remain fully operational and available to contribute to our amphibious capability. HMS "Intrepid" was chosen for the Dartmouth Training Squadron after careful consideration of all relevant factors including manpower, cost, and suitability for the training rôle: HMS "Lion" is not suitable.