I was pleased by the Minister's announcement about ensuring that we upgrade technology to let armed forces personnel contact friends and family more easily. Column 495 10-minute free call. It is sad to think that someone so close to what was happening should find out about it from back home. We must modernise our armed forces' equipment. On-line newspapers are essential, and information available to HMS Invincible was later taken by helicopter to HMS Newcastle.
Satellite television is also critical.
The Army had access to satellite television, but it was not available to those who served on HMS Newcastle. I am pleased to hear that 70 per cent. However, unless we modernise, accommodation will not be available for women on ships. Modernisation is not appropriate for HMS Newcastle. The ship is an old lady, and it is not worth making the change, so consequently it has to be an all-male ship.