HC Deb 18 February 1915 vol 69 c1291
22. Sir F. FLANNERY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the steamer "Fürth" of Hamburg, was condemned as a prize and sold by private treaty to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company; whether public tenders were invited for the purchase of this vessel or whether she was offered by public auction as in the case of other German ships forfeited in prize; and why there was no public competition invited for the sale of this vessel?

Dr. MACNAMARA

A certain number of firms who were considered likely to buy the "Fürth" were asked by the Overseas Prize Disposal Committee to tender, but their offers were so much below the assumed value of the ship that they were all declined. The Anglo-Persian Company then applied for the use of the ship, but owing to a difficulty in settling terms for hire, they offered to purchase on a valuation, which offer was accepted.