Criticism Of Naval Administration

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30286, 12 November 1963, Page 10

Criticism Of Naval Administration

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A ) LONDON, November 11. Because of Admiralty delays and procastination settling new warships’ designs and frequent changes in plans during construction. British shipyards have gained a reputation for being exceedingly slow in building naval vessels.

It is one of toe reasons Commonwealth countries look elsewhere for new warships. “In America, for example, the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, Enterprise, was

■ ordered in 1957 and completed four years later. “Britain's new carrier will be nearly 30.000 tons smaller and will have conventional turbines—yet she is not expected to be completed until 1970 at the earliest.” says the “Yorkshire Post." Some years ago the Defence Ministry outlined what was known as a mobile base concept. In other words, east of Suez Britain would rely increasingly on mobile task forces to replace the politically insecure shore bases. So far, few of the tools to do the job have been delivered. In 1970 the present force of five aircraft carriers will be whittled to three, but even with five now it is only

just possible to keep two east of Suez and—as a major N.A.T.O. exercise in October proved—none could be spared for service in home waters. Until N.A.T.O. military policy changes, the Supreme Allied Commander. Atlantic, will continue to rely on at least one British carrier being available to him. At present he will only get it with the permission of Dr Soekamo. The “Yorkshire Post" says that for years politicians have been paying lip service to the need for an adequate navy but have been doing little to implement it.