§ Mr. Cyril D. TownsendTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects to announce a decision on a replacement for the royal yacht Britannia; [5689]
(2) where the decommissioned royal yacht Britannia is to be located; [5691]
(3) if he will make a statement on his proposals for the decommissioning of the royal yacht Britannia; and when 214these will be implemented. [5690]
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§ Mr. SoamesBritannia is scheduled to be decommissioned in the second half of 1997; her programme for next year, including decommissioning, is currently under consideration. The Government are considering Britannia's future once decommissioned, including a number of proposals for the future use of the vessel, most of which envisage a permanent mooring as a heritage attraction. The Government are examining the requirement for a replacement royal yacht, and will announce a decision in due course.