HC Deb 28 June 1967 vol 749 c91W
59. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to using air-conditioned ships as schools and married quarters for the families of defence forces stationed in potentially hostile areas overseas; and what the cost of such ships would be compared to buildings at present being erected in such areas.

Mr. Reynolds

This concept has been examined in the past, but has been found impracticable partly from its cost, partly because of the difficulties in having families with small children living on shipboard for long periods. There would be problems of mooring and docking, and in the provision of adequate common services; nor would a ship, necessarily moored close to shore, be immune from hostile action.