HC Deb 12 December 1945 vol 417 c385
15. Major Ramsay

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now consider the resale, or restoration to former owners, of such motor yachts and launches as were requisitioned or purchased on behalf of his Department in the early part of the war, in view of the fact that such action would help to relieve the present housing shortage.

Mr. Alexander

Nine hundred and seventeen of these craft have already been released from Naval service. The rest are being released at the rate of about 150 a month.

Captain Marsden

May I ask the First Lord if the rightful owners of these craft have the first option of repurchasing them?

Mr. Alexander

I believe so, but as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, these ships were requisitioned or purchased on our behalf by the Ministry of War Trans port and when released from the Navy are handed back to the Ministry of War Transport for disposal.