§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the original cost of building H.M.S. "Gladiator," the cost of raising H.M.S. "Gladiator" after her collision with the liner "St. Paul," and the sum received as proceeds of the sale of H.M.S. "Gladiator"?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe original cost of the "Gladiator" was £287,604. The cost of salving her was approximately £50,500. She was sold for £15,125.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHSeeing that the original cost was £287,604, the cost of salving her £50,500, while she was sold for only £15,125, was it worth while to raise her?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe wreck had to be cleared. If she had been exploded the explosion might have caused damage on shore. The best course, therefore, seemed to be to remove the wreck.
§ Mr. H. A. WATTI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the breaking-up condition was attached to the sale, and if so, how much has the nation lost by the sale?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy impression is that the usual break-up condition was not attached to this sale.