HC Deb 06 December 1944 vol 406 cc531-2W
Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement about the transfer of warships to the Union Government of South Africa.

Mr. Alexander

The Union Government have recently agreed to take over and man three frigates of the Loch class, our most modern type of escort vessel. The first of these ships has now been commissioned as H.M.S.A.S. "Good Hope." South African sailors have rendered most gallant and efficient service in ships of the South African Naval Forces and in ships of the Royal Navy. In order to assist South Africa in her desire to strengthen her Naval Forces His Majesty's' Government in the United Kingdom decided that these three ships should be transferred as a gift.