§ 100. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of H.M.Y. 'Britannia', in eluding refits, maintenance and other costs, from the decision to build it to 16th January, 1968; what is the present weekly cost of maintenance; how many officers and men are now employed; what is the average number of weeks per 41W year it has been used for the last ten years and for what purposes; and why, in view of the need for economy, this expenditure is continued.
§ Mr. FoleyThe total cost of H.M.Y. 'Britannia', including refits, maintenance and other costs, from 1952, the date she was laid down, to 31st December, 1967, the latest date available, is £7,800,000. The present average weekly cost of maintenance, including crews costs, is £9,000. 'When in harbour service, the complement of H.M.Y. 'Britannia' is 15 officers and 175 ratings; this is augmented by additional officers and ratings when members of the Royal Family are embarked. During recent years H.M.Y. 'Britannia' has been used in connection with Royal occasions for 17 weeks a year on average. Expenditure on this ship is kept to the minimum necessary to maintain her in readiness for her wartime rôle as a hospital ship and at the same time to enable her to continue to play her part on Royal occasions.