ROYAL NAVY’S STRENGTH

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25736, 23 February 1949, Page 5

ROYAL NAVY’S STRENGTH

REFITTING OF SHIPS TO BE HASTENED WHITE PAPER ON EXTRA EXPENDITURE LONDON, February 21. A decision to strengthen Britain’s defence forces by speeding up the refitting of ships of the Reserve Fleet and improving equipment and stocks generally is disclosed in a White Paper dealing with the Supplementary Estimate of £15,500.000 for the Navy. The White Paper says that about £12,500,000 is required for refitting, replenishment of stocks, and the employment of a greater number of civilians, and to release naval ratings for service at sea. Other unforeseen charges, including increases in pay and allowances, make the total of additional liabilities £24.000,000, but set off against that is £8.500,000, mainly from sales of ships and aircraft. The Navy Estimates for the coming financial year total £189.250.000. The First Lord of the Admiralty (Lord Hall), in an explanatory statement. says that the Estimates provide for a total naval force of 153.000. It will still take time, however, to eliminate all the lack of balance in naval manpower.

The Naval Estimates for the coming financial year show that one fleet air-craft-carrier, one light carrier, and seven destroyers will be under construction on March 31 this year. Britain’s present active fleet strength is shown as two battleships (the Vanguard and the Duke of York), one fleet carrier (the Implacable), four light carriers, 15 cruisers, 33 destroyers, 25. frigates. 30 submarines, and 14 minesweepers.

Vessels launched but not yet commissioned are one fleet carrier, seven light carriers, three cruisers, one destroyer, and one frigate. Ships being used experimentally and for training include three battleships two fleet carriers, two light carriers, two cruisers, and 20 destroyers.. The Admiralty will spend £7,180,000 on scientific services and research in the coming year.