§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the availability of resources to protect and escort SS "Uganda" en route to the South Atlantic.
§ Mr. WigginYes.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Defence on what terms the SS "Uganda" has been leased; and whether these terms are based on the income of the ship over a similar period in private hands.
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§ Mr. Hawksleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence at what cost, and for what period, the P and O cruise liner "Uganda" has been chartered for troop carrying to te Falkland Islands; and whether the future need for the liner was anticipated when it was returned to P and O.
§ Mr. WigginHaving served as a hospital ship in the Falklands campaign, the "Uganda" was returned to P and O in accordance with the terms of the original requisition which required the removal of the helicopter landing platform. At that time the Ministry of Defence had not assessed the transport requirements to maintain a garrison on the Islands. P and O has thus been able to use the vessel for three months.
Having estimated our requirements, we were anxious to charter British ships to meet them. When "Uganda" was offered on acceptable terms for charter, for two years, we were able to conclude an agreement. The terms of the agreement, are, of course, confidential between the Ministry of Defence and P and O. Some modification to the vessel will be required, including a new and stronger helicopter landng platform. The costs of these modifications are estimated to be less than those of retaining the "Uganda" while the movement requirements were being established.
I understand that P and O is offering interesting and valuable alternative holidays or full refunds to those who had booked cruises on the "Uganda".