HC Deb 18 February 1959 vol 600 cc58-9W
Captain Kerby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the commissioning of H.M.S. "Albion" and H.M.S. "Ark Royal" this autumn, and the retention in commission of H.M.S. "Victorious" and H.M.S. "Centaur", which have both undergone major refits quite recently, he will confirm that four aircraft carriers will be in commission next year, excluding the helicopter carrier.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I would ask my hon. Friend to await my noble Friend's Explanatory Statement on the Navy Estimates, 1959–60, which will be published shortly.

Captain Kerby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent the aircraft carriers H.M.S. "Glory", H.M.S. "Theseus", H.M.S. "Ocean", and H.M.S. "Unicorn" are to be retained for use as troop transports.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I cannot add at present to the answer given to by hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey on 2nd December, 1958.