HC Deb 25 May 1927 vol 206 cc1989-90
22. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Air who were the purchasers of the river steamers, launches, steam boats, etc., recently sold in Iraq; what was the sum realised by the sale; and whether the whole sum realised accrues to His Majesty's Treasury?

Sir P. SASSOON

As regards the first part of the question, the vessels have been purchased by Lord Inchcape, acting on behalf of certain corporations operating in Iraq. As regards the second part, of the total sum paid for these and other stores included in a general sale, the amount allocated to the purchase of the 48 surplus vessels, mostly barges and small boats, is £10,000. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Was this considered to be the market price-only £10,000 for 48 barges and launches? That is less than the breakup price, surely?

Sir P. SASSOON

We got as much as we could for them and, as I said in my answer, they were mostly small vessels and barges; and the sum was only part of a larger sum.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I am sorry to press this matter, but will the hon. Baronet see whether some arrangement could not have been made whereby we could have got some of the profits of running these steamers on the two rivers?

Sir P. SASSOON

I do not think that arises out of the answer.

Sir F. WISE

What was the date of the agreement?

Sir P. SASSOON

I could not say offhand.

Mr. BECKETT

Were these vessels put up to tender before they were sold to Lord Inchcape?

Sir P. SASSOON

We got the best price we could for them.

Mr. BECKETT

How does the hon. Baronet know he got the best price if they were not put up to tender?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is it not a fact that the upkeep of these barges—anybody who knows anything about shipping property knows it—would have been much greater, and was it not in the interests of everybody concerned that they should be sold for the best price?

Sir P. SASSOON

We effected an economy by the action we took.