§ 46. Major Earl WINTERTONasked the Prime Minister if the "River Clyde" steamship can be brought home from Cape Helles, Gallipoli, and moored permanently in the Thames?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe vessel is lying at Malta very badly damaged, and the Ministry of Shipping have decided that they would not be justified in incurring the expense involved in bringing the vessel to the -United Kingdom and repairing her. Arrangements are, therefore, being made to sell her as she lies.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the right lion. Gentleman give any approximation of the expense? Is he aware of the great sentiment among both naval and military men who were in the Dardanelles in regard to this vessel, and, in view of that, cannot the decision he reconsidered?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere is no doubt great sentiment in favour of bringing this vessel back; if it could be done at anything like reasonable figures we should do it. Let me give an illustration. It would mean £20,000 for towing the vessel alone, but in addition she is so very badly damaged that I am told the cost of repair- 645 ing her would be enormous, and could not be justified in the present condition of public funds.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWould it not be possible to preserve her at Malta as a great national relic? There would be no additional expense in keeping her there.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat may be worth considering. I quite realise the great sentiment that centres round this vessel, and I will further consider the matter.