HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 cc16-7W
Captain Kerby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the midget submarines H.M.S. "Sprat", "Minnow", and "Shrimp" are now for disposal; and how long each vessel was in commission.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

"Sprat", "Minnow" and "Shrimp" were built for development purposes. They are now available for disposal and we are ready to consider offers for them. They were in commission for 21, 23 and 18 months respectively.

Captain Kerby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will give an approximate figure for the cost of a vessel of H.M.S. "Sprat" type of midget submarine.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The approximate figure, as will be seen from page 245 of the 1956–57 Navy Estimates, is £93,500.