§ MR. BUCHANAN (Perthshire, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Dockyard Expenses Account, 1903–4, to which reference is made in Return No. 74 of vessels struck off the effective list, is not yet issued; and will he state the number and names of the vessels in the above Return which would come under the heading, in former Dockyard Expenses Accounts, "ships unfit for service and ordered to be sold."
§ MR. PRETYMANThe Dockyard Expense Accounts, 1903–4, will be in the hands of hon. Members on Wednesday next. The number of vessels included in the Return which were classified in ormer Dockyard Expense Accounts (1902–3) as "unfit for service or ordered 1200 to be sold, &c.,"is nineteen, and their names are as follows:—Amphion, Melita, Peacock, Pheasant, Pigeon, Ringdove, Flamingo, Iron Duke, Emerald (old), Widgeon (old), Dapper, Forte, Hector, Raleigh, Boadicea, Active, Pigmy, Fancy, and Swinger. These vessels were included in the previous Dockyard Expense Accounts under the heading mentioned, but their classification has since been amended as shown in Return No. 74.
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in order to provide work for Englishmen, the Admiralty will arrange to have these ships broken up in this country?
§ MR. PRETYMANAs far as possible that will be done.
§ MR. BUCHANANThen the headings of these accounts are being entirely altered.
§ MR. PRETYMANYes, in the manner shown in the Return.