§ 21. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many oil tankers the Admiralty now have for disposal; how it is proposed that they should be disposed of; and is it intended to retain or build any such ships for use with the Fleet in future?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASix oil craft employed with the Fleet are now available for disposal, and six oversea tankers will be available after March next.
As regards the mode of disposal, oil tankers will be placed in the hands of the Shipping Controller, and oil barges in the hands of the Small Craft Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions.
The Admiralty will require oil craft for attendance on the Fleet, and will retain 344 oversea tankers for replenishment of stocks. There is no necessity, and, therefore, no intention, at present to build oil craft of any kind for the use of the Fleet.