Navy Estimates

Part of Defence (Navy) Estimates, 1965–66 – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 March 1965.

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Photo of Mr Emrys Hughes Mr Emrys Hughes , South Ayrshire 12:00, 11 March 1965

It may be growing, but the German Navy Estimates are nothing like £560 million, and long before they reach that figure there will be a movement to reduce the cost.

I approach these Estimates from the point of view that this country will have to change its industrial economy to live in the modern age. The idea that we shall fight future wars with aircraft carriers, frigates and all the present paraphernalia of the Navy is a delusion. Nowadays, manned rockets circle the earth, in the stratosphere. In them are people who can drop bombs which can destroy our industrial and economic life. It is no use our following the nostalgic theories and ideas of yesterday. We must reduce our large naval expenditure, and I am sure that it will not be long before the House of Commons will also come to this opinion.