§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the current refit of the Royal Yacht "Britannia"; and if he will give details of the work being done.
§ Mr. Mayhew"Britannia" is undergoing the full hull and machinery survey which is carried out every four years to conform with Lloyd's requirements. In addition, the crew's quarters are being air-conditioned, and her communication system is being brought up to date, to conform to standards now generally adopted in the Fleet.
The full extent of the work to be done is not yet known, as the survey is still not complete. I cannot therefore give the estimated cost at present.