HC Deb 26 February 1959 vol 600 c191W
Captain Kirby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will now state when dispatch vessels, H.M.S. "Surprise" and "Alert" will be paid off, and replaced by effective anti-submarine frigates.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

These two converted frigates performs the role of flagship more economically than any other suitable vessel could. They cost little more than half as much to run as a normal frigate, they need fewer men and they can be used as escorts. We intend to operate them as long as we can.