asked the Secretary of State for War how many vessels are borne on the Vote of the Army; and what is the cost of their maintenance.

It would not be in accordance with practice to disclose this information.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many vessels on the Army Vote are to proceed to Malta; and what will be the cost of their maintenance.

None, Sir, though some vessels may call at Malta on their way to the Middle East either for the crew to be inoculated against cholera or to discharge any cargo for Malta which happens to be available for shipment when they sail from England. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many vessels on the Army Vote have been converted; how many are in the process of conversion; and what is the total cost.

Fifty-two such vessels have been converted since the end of the war and three are in process of conversion. Owing to the special financial arrangements in force up to 31st March, 1947, the greater part of the cost of the conversion remained a charge against Navy Funds: but it is estimated that the cost of conversion work carried out after 31st March, 1947, will be £240,000.