HC Deb 23 June 1920 vol 130 cc2163-4
26. Mr. ESMOND HARMSWORTH

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the intentions of the Government with regard to the Admiralty yacht "Enchantress"; and whether it is proposed to dispose of if?

Mr. LONG

H.M.S. "Enchantress" will be employed as before. The reply to the last part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Would it not be possible for the Lords of the Admiralty to do without the "Enchantress" in order to show some economy in the public service?

Mr. LONG

It is a little difficult to answer that inquiry by means of question and answer. If my hon. Friend, believing that he is well advised, wants to raise the question seriously, I would suggest to him that he should do so by moving a reduction of my salary on Vote 12, which has yet to be considered by the House. His question seems to presume what is not a fact, namely, that economy would be the result of getting rid of the "Enchantress." I can only say that the matter has been most carefully considered, but if anybody thinks that undue extravagance is caused by the use of the "Enchantress," I suggest that they should raise the matter by moving a reduction of my salary.