§ MR. MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, inasmuch as he cannot give the Benbow frigate as a place of rest and recreation for the watermen, lightermen, and seamen of the Thames, he will consider whether, when the sale of the other old ships takes place shortly, it would be within the scope of his power to give some one of these disused vessels that possibly may not find a purchaser to be used for the above-named purpose?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH, Lancashire, Clitheroe)I informed the hon. Gentleman the other day that the Benbow is quite unfit for the purpose which his question suggested. I fear that the same objection applies to the other ships which are the property of the Admiralty, and are about to be advertised for sale. But I have given direc- 423 tions that a copy of the sale list shall be sent, as soon as it is finally settled, to the hon. Member, and if he will watch the sale or make any other inquiries, he will be able to decide whether he agrees in the opinion which I have expressed on behalf of the Admiralty.