HC Deb 21 April 1920 vol 128 cc371-3
16. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the sale of any ships of the Royal Navy to foreign countries, without any stipulation as to their being broken up, is contemplated; and, if so, which are they?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Long)

The reply to my Noble and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative; but pending completion of the negotiations, I am afraid that particulars as to the countries and vessels concerned cannot usefully be given.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Have these transactions been considered by the League of Nations?

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Is it not possible to give the House particulars of the sales of these vessels, and is it not a matter for the Members of this House as to the advisability of disposing of these vessels and the eventualities?

Mr. LONG

Of course, the House has a right to know all that is going on, but, as I have just said, this information cannot be given now. There is no desire to withhold any information.

Mr. BILLING

When can it be given?

Mr. LONG

It is quite obvious that the House cannot be consulted in the details from step to step regarding these negotiations.

Mr. BILLING

Is it not a question of change of principle, and is it not a fact that prior to the War the Government of this country did not dispose of vessels in this way, and has the right hon. Gentleman consulted this House as to whether it is a reasonable change of principle?

Mr. LONG

There are plenty of opportunities for the House to discuss it on the Navy Estimates. As regards the change of principle between now and before the War, my hon. Friend knows that the circumstances are entirely different.

Mr. PALMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that these vessels shall not be disposed of till the House has had the opportunity of discussing the principle involved?

Mr. LONG

No, I could not give any assurance of the kind. There is no intention whatever to withhold information that hon. Members are entitled to have, and I do not think hon. Members are entitled to press me further.

Mr. A. SHORT

When does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be possible to give the House the information it seeks?

Mr. LONG

I cannot give an exact date. We shall have the Navy Estimates under discussion again very shortly.

Mr. HOUSTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there is no danger of these vessels passing into the hands of potential enemies?

Mr. LONG

I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that the Board of Admiralty are as anxious as he is to prevent that.

Mr. BILLING

Does the contract of sale provide that they shall not be re-disposed of without the consent of the Government itself?

Mr. LONG

I think I would like to have notice of that. Every precaution is taken that we think necessary, and I should think that is probably covered, but I would rather have notice of the question.