§ Mr. Gregor Mackenzieasked the Minister of State for Defence why it has been found necessary to hire a privately-owned fast patrol boat for training purposes for the second time in a year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe fast patrol boat "Tenacity" was hired from Vosper 359W Thorneycroft for two months earlier this year to enable the Royal Navy to meet the planned ships' work-up and training programme at Portland while the fast training boat H.M.S. "Cutlass" was undergoing repairs. The opportunity was also taken to evaluate the vessel under operational conditions.
In the light of experience with the fast training boats it has been found necessary to strengthen the hulls, and they are, or will be, undergoing modification. In order to maintain the planned training programme while these modifications are being carried out, we are considering hiring "Tenacity" again.