HC Deb 13 April 1921 vol 140 cc1082-3
16. Mr. WALLACE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of boom-defence boats lying at present in Inverkeithing harbour; what is the cost of maintenance; for how long a period they have been lying idle; and for what purpose they are being retained?

Mr. AMERY

Twelve boom-defence vessels are now lying in Inverkeithing Harbour. The cost of their maintenance is, approximately, £200 per boat per annum. The boats have not been employed since February, 1919. They are retained for future boom services, for which they were specially designed and employed during the War. Their construction, and the fact that they are unpropelled, renders them unsuitable for other naval purposes or for commercial use.

Mr. WALLACE

Is it not possible to dispose of these boats at something like a remunerative price?

Mr. AMERY

I think that question has been gone into, but it was found that they are unsuitable for commercial purposes, that they would not fetch a remunerative price, and that to replace them would cost a very large sum of money.

Mr. WALLACE

Is there any possibility that they may be used in any capacity at all?

Mr. AMERY

It is always possible that any part of our defensive equipment may be required.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is the upkeep of these boats an expensive matter?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir, it costs £200 a year each.