HC Deb 08 July 1986 vol 101 cc164-5W
Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for the conversion of existing merchant ships into commando carriers; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what proposals he has for the construction of a commando carrier as a replacement for HMS Hermes.

Mr. Lee

The concept of an aviation support ship to provide the commando lift capability previously provided by HMS Hermes in her secondary role as commando carrier is under consideration within the context of our overall amphibious shipping studies.