HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 cc77-8W
58 and 59. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what further advice he has sought with regard to the strategic implications of moving the Joint Anti-submarine School at Londonderry to Devonport;

(2) what will be the cost of moving the Joint Anti-submarine School at Londonderry to Devonport; and what will be the capital cost at Devonport;

(3) when he expects to move the Joint Anti-submarine Training School, at Londonderry, to Devonport; and how long it will take to complete the move.

62. Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimate of the capital cost of removing the Joint Anti-submarine School from Londonderry to Devonport; and whether, in view of the cost and the proximity of Londonderry to deep water and Faslane, he will now reconsider the proposed move.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what factors he will take into account in making his final decision concerning the future of the Joint Anti-submarine School at Londonderry.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I have looked again at the decision to move the Joint Anti-submarine School from Londonderry to Devonport in the light of other decisions taken in the course of the Defence Review, but regret that there are no grounds for reversing that decision. This was based on important operational and financial considerations, as was explained at the time of the announcement.

I am, however, examining the possibility of making certain changes in the task of the School; I do not expect to complete this examination until later in the year.

Until my examination of the task is complete I will not be in a position to give an estimate of the final cost or of the date of the move or its completion.

60. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what advice he has sought as to the desirability and cost of transferring H.M.S. "Sea Eagle" from Londonderry to Portland.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I am advised that Portland is not operationally suitable as a place for the Joint Antisubmarine School.