Education Secretary Michael Gove has defended his suggestion for a new royal yacht to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, telling MPs he had never asked for public money to be used.
Shadow education secretary Derek Twigg challenged Mr Gove's call for a new ship during education questions on 16 January 2012.
"How many primary school places could the government fund with the money you proposed be spend on a new royal yacht?" Mr Twigg asked.
But Mr Gove hit back, telling MPs his letter outlining the idea "clearly stated" that "no public funding should be provided".
"You should have been careful to look at the charts and navigate out of rocky waters," he told Mr Twigg.
He claimed it would be a chance for Britain's "disadvantaged youth" to "learn new skills and take part in exciting new adventures".
Downing Street has not ruled out the idea of a new ship to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne, but has said it would not be "appropriate to use public money at this time".
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