HC Deb 23 April 1958 vol 586 c73W
52. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many times H.M.S. "Vanguard" has put to sea in the last six months; how many men are employed on the vessel; how many tons of oil have been burned in this period; and what is the future rôle of this ship.

Mr. Allan

"Vanguard's" future is being reconsidered now. At present she is maintained in Reserve, which requires a crew of six officers and 130 ratings. She also provides accommodation for about 1,000 Reserve Fleet personnel, together with a variety of training facilities, which unless "Vanguard" were available would have to be provided ashore. About 3,000 tons of oil were consumed during the period in question. There has been no occasion for "Vanguard" to put to sea, but she is at short notice to do so.