BRITISH NAVY TO BE REFITTED MORE SPEEDILY

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 5

BRITISH NAVY TO BE REFITTED MORE SPEEDILY

LONDON, Feb. 21

A decision to strengthen Britain’s defence forces, by speeding up the programme for refitting the ships of the Reserve Fleet and to improve equipment and stocks generally, . is disclosed in a White Paper dealing with a supplementary estimate of £15,500,000 for the Navy. The original estimate for the year ending March 31 was £153,000,000. The Estimates for the coming financial year total £189,250,000. The White Paper says that about £12,500,000 is required for refitting, replenishment of stocks and for the employment of a greater number of civilians because of the accelerated programme and to release naval ratings for service at sea. Other unforseen 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 First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Hall, in an explanatory . statement, says 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 aircraft-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 (Vanguard and Duke of York), one fleet carrier (Implacable), four light carriers, 15 cruisers, 33 destroyers, 25 frigates, 30 submarines and 14 minesweepers. The vessels launched, but not yet commissioned, are one fleet cayrier, seven light cruisers, three cruisers, one destrover and one frigate. Ships being used exoenmenta ly and for training include three battleshins two fleet carriers, two light cruisers, two cruisers and 20 dcstroyer The Admiralty will spend £7180,000 on scientific service and research in the*comin r year.