65. Mr. SAMUELfurther asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty what steps have been taken since 1915, beyond exhibiting notices in dockyards and on Government premises, by which the public have, in every case, been informed that certain obsolete vessels were lying up and awaiting offers for purchase at breaking up prices?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLThe widest publicity has been given to the sale of these obsolete ships. In addition to advertisement, tenders have been issued to likely purchasers—sometimes to as many as 200 firms. Furthermore, in October, 1921, a special notice was issued by the Admiralty in the Press, a 280 copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, that such vessels would be sold on a scheme of payment by instalments with a view to providing employment of ex-service men in the work of demolition.