§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the sale of old warships by the Admiralty is effected by throwing tenders open to public competition or only to a limited number of firms; and, if so, how many and what firms; and what is the reason for so limiting the number of possible purchasers?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH,) Lancashire, ClitheroeThe Admiralty practice is to invite the most complete public competition for the purchase of old ships. Tenders are called for by advertisement, and forms are sent to all the firms (over 100 in number) who at any time have expressed a wish to receive notice of sales.