§ MR. JENKINS (Chatham)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to offer for sale by public auction at an early date a number of obsolete ships; and, if so, whether, in view of the recent decision of the Admiralty to discharge 600 men from those dockyards, and in view of the poverty existing in the neighbourhood, he will abandon such sale and order that such ships be broken up by the employes of such dockyards whom the Admiralty have decided to discharge.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe course suggested by the hon. Member is impracticable, as it would result in serious congestion in the docks and basins which 1057 are intended for construction and repair work, and not for the breaking up of obsolete vessels. Even if space were available, the work could not be economically undertaken in the absence of the requisite shipbreaking plant and specially trained workmen.
§ MR. JENKINSHas it ever been attempted? Was the result unsuccessful financially?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONpromised to inquire.
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of insisting that these vessels are broken up in this country instead of being taken abroad?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI will inquire as to what the present rule is.