HC Deb 20 April 1932 vol 264 c1477W
Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached in regard to the introduction of training in sailing ships for the personnel of His Majesty's Fleet; whether such a proposal has been submitted to any body of experts for approval; and which of the principal maritime Powers of the world still have arrangements for giving such training to the personnel of their fleets?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The following countries use sailing ships for naval training, namely, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Rumania, Argentina, Chile, and Yugoslavia (ship under construction). The whole question as to whether we should re-introduce them into our naval training is at the present time under close examination by the Admiralty.

Mr. WEST RUSSELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the estimated cost involved by the scheme for reintroducing training in sailing ships for the personnel of His Majesty's Navy; whether this scheme has been submitted to any body of experts; and, if so, what was the constitution of such body?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The question of re-introducing training in sailing ships, including the cost involved, is under close examination by the Admiralty. In the meantime it is not possible to make any statement as to what action is likely to be taken and at what cost.