§ 61. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if a yacht owned by the wife of a British admiral has been lying in Bo'ness Docks for the past two years; if this yacht was taken over by the Government early in the War for the purposes of a hospital ship; if practically no work of this character has been done; if the Government are paying the full cost of maintenance; if the captain and crew are standing by the vessel; and whether, in view of the importance of utilising every available ton of shipping, this vessel can be put to a useful purpose?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe vessel in question is a yacht which has been used in emergency as a hospital ship, and will, if occasion arises, be used again. The Admiralty is at no expense in connection with the vessel which was offered free of cost, fully manned and equipped as a hospital ship in 1914, and so accepted. I am sure Lady Beatty would not desire me to say this, but in view of the form of the question, I take occasion to say that we owe the gracious act of placing this vessel at 917 our disposal to the kindly generosity of the wife of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet.
§ Mr. SNOWDENCan the right hon. Gentleman say for how long during the last two years this ship has been used for hospital purposes?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt does not accommodate many, but it has been used on different occasions, and will be used again. We are very much obliged to Lady Beatty.