§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total tonnage of the vessels currently in the Royal Navy; and what was the total tonnage in 1964.
§ Mr. JuddThe total deep displacement tonnage of all HM ships currently in service is approximately 583,500 tons; in 1964 the total was approximately 876,500 tons.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present 445W strength of the Royal Navy in terms of number of vessels divided into appropriate categories; and what was the strength in similar categories in 1954 and 1964.
Type/Class 1974 1964 1954 Aircraft-carriers … … … 1 5 19 Battleships … … … — — 5 Monitors … … … — — 2 Commando ships … … … 2 2 — Submarines: Polaris … … … 4 — — Fleet nuclear … … … 8 1 — Patrol … … … 21 53 57 Assault ships … … … 2 — — Cruisers … … … 2 5 26 Destroyers … … … 11 41 100 Frigates … … … 60 83 169 Fleet Maintenance ships … … … 2 6 9 Heavy Repair ships … … … — 2 3 Submarine Depot ships … … … 1 3 4 MCM Support ships … … … 1 1 — Diving Trials ships … … … 1 — — Trials ships … … … 1 — 2 Mine Countermeasures Forces … … … 43 144 310 Fast Minelayers … … … — 1 3 Fast Training/Patrol Boats and Coastal Vessels … … … 13 64 114 Royal Yacht/Hospital ship … … … 1 1 1 Ice Patrol ship … … … 1 1 — Survey ships/vessels … … … 13 12 10
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average and greatest age of the vessels in the Royal Navy's Mine Countermeasures Force other than HMS "Wilton"; and when it is proposed to replace them by modern vessels.
§ Mr. Judd18.4 years and 21 years respectively. These Royal Navy "Ton" class vessels are planned to remain in service until the 1980s. They will be replaced in due course by new vessels but it is not our policy to give details of future building programmes.