§ MR. J. H. LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty 305 in what foreign countries the "Porpoise," "Sandfly," ''Lizard," and "Havannah" have been sold by tender; whether tenders were publicly invited for the purchase of these vessels; whether they have been sold to be broken up; and, if so, what steps are taken to secure compliance with this condition.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The "Porpoise," "Sandfly," and "Lizard" were sold at Bombay, Malta, and Sydney respectively. The sale of the "Porpoise" and "Sandfly" was advertised in the public Press, and the purchaser of the former vessel was bound with two substantial sureties in a sum equal to the amount of the purchase money.to break her up within one year. In the case of the "Sandfly," a statutory declaration was obtained from the purchaser that she would be broken up and not sold to a belligerent. Particulars of the sale of the "Lizard" are not yet to hand by mail. As regards the "Havanuah," this vessel was sold by public auction at Portsmouth, and as she was not afloat, but high and dry and forming part of a street in Cardiff, she will presumably have to be broken up before she can be removed. The land on which she rested has to be cleared of all debris within a certain time.