§ 27. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to place between 80 and 90 destroyers on the sale list; whether vessels of the same type and equivalent value are still on the Navy List of the two next strongest naval powers; if he will state what will be the strength of the British, United States, Japanese, and French navies in torpedo-boat destroyers when the sales are completed; whether any stipulation as to their being broken up is to be inserted in the conditions of sale; and whether ships for sale are stripped of any of their fittings?
§ Mr. LONGThe list of ships for disposal includes a number of destroyers of various types of obsolete pattern and inferior fighting value. Among these are vessels of similar type and equivalent value to vessels on the Navy List of other 2362 Powers. Owing to the difference in types of destroyers of British and foreign navies, it is not possible to afford any comparison on a numerical basis. With very few exceptions the surplus destroyers have been sold for breaking-up purposes, and confidential fittings and all armament have been removed.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat are the exceptions of the destroyers that have been sold not to be broken up; to what Power or Powers have they been sold?
§ Mr. LONGI should not like to give that without notice. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question I will give him the information.