HC Deb 01 August 1922 vol 157 cc1266-7
68. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ships' boats, with their gear, are laid up in His Majesty's dockyards surplus to requirements; and what is the approximate annual cost of their upkeep?

Mr. AMERY

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply:

Excluding those which are in process of being sold, the following pulling and sailing boats in sea service (repairable) condition are surplus to requirements, and will he disposed of:

There are also the following surplus boats which are in harbour service (repairable) condition, i.e., boats which, after repair, would be suitable for harbour service, but not for issue to His Majesty's ships:

There are also 75 twenty-feet motor boats surplus to present requirements, but many of these will be absorbed during 1922–23 and 1923–24, and the remainder will be sold. A preliminary selection of boats for ultimate sale is now being made.

Reconditioning is only undertaken as boats are brought forward for service, and no expenditure is, therefore, incurred in the maintenance of surplus boats.

Sir A. SHIRLEY BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider leasing some of these boats in their present condition?

Mr. AMERY

I will consider that.