§ 35. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether all Government vessels, small and large, that the Government have already sold, or intend to sell, have been, and are being, put up for auction through first-class shipping auctioneers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe responsibility for the disposal of small non-seagoing commercial craft rests with the Ministry of Munitions, and of larger seagoing vessels suitable for commercial purposes with the Ministry of Shipping. The disposal of the remainder rests with the Admiralty, and the procedure which has been followed as a rule is that of advertisement and competitive tenders, although in some cases vessels have been put up for auction through auctioneers accustomed to the business.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are auctioneers specially concerned with this kind of business and that it is held amongst shipping people that very much better prices could be obtained?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should be glad if the hon. and gallant Gentleman would give me any evidence as to that. I was careful to say that as regards the cases where naval ships are put up to auction they are put up through auctioneers accustomed to the business.