§ 15. Viscount CURZONasked what ships of all classes belonging to the Royal Navy have either been disposed of since the Armistice or are to be disposed of in the near future; and if the method of disposal can be stated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWith regard to the first part of the question, one vessel only (a light cruiser) has been sold, and that in India, since the Armistice, though arrangements are now proceeding for the sale at home of a further eleven vessels of different classes. In addition to these, it is hoped, in the near future, to dispose of some 150 vessels of various classes, but some little time must necessarily elapse before they can be cleared for sale by the removal of guns, etc. The methods of disposal, namely, sale by competitive tender or otherwise, will be decided as the ships become available for disposal.
§ Viscount CURZONCan we have a definite statement as to which ships are affected by the answer?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will let my hon. and gallant Friend see the list.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel D. WHITEAre any conditions laid down to prevent these vessels being employed as warships?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes; there are very carefully drawn provisions to guard against that. The ships are all obsolete, and those which are of any potential fighting value are sold to be broken up under bond. The provisions are very stringent and detailed.