§ Lord Mancroftasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are in a position to report the outcome of their review of the Royal Navy's Hydrographic Service.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)We attach importance to a specialist hydrographic capability to provide effective support to Royal Navy operations in peace and war. We have consequently decided to upgrade the capability of the Hydrographic Service by the purchase of four new hydrographic vessels, which 35WA will be commercially designed with an improved technical capability. The new ships, which will be larger than the existing vessels, will be either leased or owned by the Ministry of Defence, depending on which option offers best value for money. Her Majesty's Survey Launch "Gleaner" will remain in service for the 36WA foreseeable future. We believe that the resultant squadron of five survey vessels will best meet the requirements of defence, including the ability to respond to unexpected short notice tasking. All the vessels will be manned by Royal Navy crews and will fly the White Ensign.