§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the estimated period between the proposed scrapping of H.M.S. "Ark Royal" and the commissioning of 142W the first of the command-through deck cruisers during which British shipping will be deprived of shipborne air defence or strike capability.
§ Mr. KirkH.M.S. "Ark Royal" will remain in service until the late 1970s, by which time the new cruisers are planned to start entering service.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will consider the design of a small and economical type of aircraft carrier, for protection and surveillance of trade routes.