§ 25. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the ex-Canadian Pacific Railway liner "Princess Margaret" was purchased this year for approximately £460,000 for use as a minelayer, and extensively re fitted; whether she has been recently used' in the Baltic for tranporting Russian counter-revolutionary troops under Prince Lieven through mined waters; and whether a less expensive vessel can be used for this work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis vessel was taken on hire in the early days of the War and was then fitted up for mine-laying. She was recently purchased for £425,500, and has also just undergone a small refit. On the occasion of her recent use referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend she followed a route known to be clear of mines, and her use for this service obviated the diversion of a vessel from essential trade, as she was already in the-waters referred to.