HC Deb 18 February 1920 vol 125 c879
45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister, why the s.s. "River Clyde" has been sold to Foreigners; why this historic ship could not have been preserved at Malta; and whether nothing can be done to re-purchase this ship for preservation.

Mr. BONAR LAW

The "River Clyde" was sold by auction because after very careful consideration it was not thought either that His Majesty's Government would have been justified in incurring the heavy expense involved in bringing her to this country, or that preservation at Malta was desirable.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Could it not have been arranged to reserve the ship for a British firm? Would not the expense of keeping it at Malta have been infinitesimal?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We thought the best way of disposing of property of that kind was by auction, and that is why it was done. It was a very old ship, and had it remained at Malta it would simply have rusted away and have been of no benefit to anybody.