HC Deb 15 February 1939 vol 343 c1754W
Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the reasons which have led to the decision to christen one of the battleships now building "Duke of York," instead of "Anson"; what was the last ship of the Navy to be called "Duke of York"; and whether the name has ever previously been borne by a capital ship?

Mr. Shakespeare

It was felt inappropriate that the fifth ship of the class should be named after a distinguished Admiral who lived in the eighteenth century. The ship is therefore to be named "Duke of York" in commemoration of the fact that our present King who served in the fleet bore that title. I may also remind the hon. and gallant Member that a former Sovereign was, as Duke of York, Lord High Admiral. The last ship of the Navy to receive this name was a cutter purchased in 1763.

The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.