§ 13. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of Admiralty whether it is intended to preserve any types of the British men-of-war which took part in the late War as national relics and objects of interest to students and others; and, if so, which vessels it is proposed so to preserve?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. J. C. Davidson)The answer is in the negative. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, under the Washington Treaty no battleships, battle-cruisers, or aircraft carriers could be retained.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether, in the case of His Majesty's Ship "Colossus," arrangements were made to saw her guns and otherwise render her useless for fighting purposes, and is she not now in use?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn that case, could not His Majesty's Ship "Colossus," as a type of vessel which took part in the War, be preserved?
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what it would cost to keep His Majesty's Ship "Colossus" as a national relic?
Mr. DAVIDSONI should want notice of that question. The "Colossus" is at present being used for a purpose which would otherwise have to be served by some other vessel.