§ Baroness Gould of Potternewtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have made on the future of the former Royal Yacht "Britannia". [HL1473]
§ Lord GilbertMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence has decided that "Britannia" should be preserved in Edinburgh, in the Port of Leith. Subject to a satisfactory conclusion to negotiations, the former Royal Yacht will be sold to an independent charitable trust being promoted by Forth Ports plc. The trust will take responsibility for the preservation of "Britannia", and for running the yacht as a visitor attraction and as a venue for conferences and other functions. Both Forth Ports and the Manchester Ship Canal Company offered very good ideas; either would have allowed "Britannia" to be preserved successfully and with dignity. It has been a difficult choice, but a good outcome for "Britannia". We are grateful to both for having put forward such excellent proposals.
"Britannia" is expected to leave Portsmouth in the next few weeks, and, following essential work to adapt her to her new role, will be open to the public later this year.