§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what orders were given to service men to board HMS Keren at Wallsend on Tyne over Easter weekend.
§ Mr. WigginThe commanding officer designate was instructed to commission the ship and to take her to sea to prepare for her new role carrying service personnel between the Falkland and Ascension islands. The Royal Navy carried out this task with its customary professional skill.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence why the name of the former Sealink ferry St. Edmund was changed to HMS Keren.
§ Mr. WigginIt is normal practice in the shipping world for the name of a vessel to be changed on her sale to new owners. Sealink requested this of the Ministry of Defence in the case of the St. Edmund. The name Keren was chosen to commemorate an earlier troopship which saw distinguished service in the second world war.