L.S.T.s

HC Deb 22 April 1959 vol 604 cc48-9W

Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Defence how many of the landing ships, tanks, which are immediately available for operational use are in the hands of the Royal Navy, the Army and civilian authorities, respectively.

Mr. Sandys

Of the L.S.T.s immediately available for operational use, five are manned and operated by the Royal Navy, and 11, which are civilian manned, are operated by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation on behalf of the War Office.

Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Defence if he will add to the forces east of Suez one or more landing ships, tanks, manned by naval personnel and capable of the same speed as the commando carrier, so as to provide a proper balance in the combined striking force.

Mr. Sandys

No L.S.T. would be capable of the same speed as the commando carrier.