§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether the battleships "Centurion" and "Barfleur" have been placed on the sale list; and, if so, on what date the decision to sell these vessels was taken?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe battleships "Centurion" and "Barfleur" were sold at the auction sale held at Portsmouth on the 12th of this month. It was decided to sell these vessels in the preceding month.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it not the fact that these vessels are included in this year's Return, and will the right hon. Gentleman remove the general impression that all the vessels in that Return are effective?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey were effective at the time the Return was published. The Return is made up in the same way as by other nations, and I could make no distinction in the case of this country without making a similar distinction in regard to foreign vessels.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it the fact that these vessels were removed on 1st April last year from the effective list, and, therefore, were not effective for the purposes of the Return of this year?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Gentleman looks at the head of the Return he will see clearly and distinctly the principle on which the Return is compiled. It is compiled on the same principle for all countries.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEWhy, if these ships were effective, have they been sold?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would take much longer to explain than would be suitable in answer to a question, but if the hon. Gentleman raises the question in the course of the Debate which is about to take place I shall be happy to reply.