§ 17. Captain BOWYERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is contemplated that 2162 the ships at present lying in the Medway for sale to be broken up will be sold to German firms for the purpose of breaking up in Germany; and whether the two ships "London" and "Venerable" have already been sold to German firms; and whether he knows the ultimate destination of these ships?
§ Mr. AMERYAs these vessels become available for sale it is the intention to offer them to competitive tender for breaking up in this country as far as possible. Invitations for some of the vessels will be issued within the next few days. The "London" and "Venerable," which were sold to a British firm, have been very largely demolished here, and further work on them could only be carried out in this country at a loss. They are occupying valuable space, and hindering further shipbreaking work, and the Admiralty have accordingly agreed to the transfer of the hulks to Germany to complete breaking up, so that fresh work may be put in hand in this country.