§ 3. Mr. David Jonesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what purpose the ex-German luxury yacht is located in Hartlepool Dock; and why it has not been adapted for use as a short distance passenger steamer to supplement the existing fleet of vessels which is not sufficient to meet the demand.
§ Mr. AlexanderThis vessel is being offered for sale and has been brought to Hartlepool Dock pending her final disposal.
§ Mr. JonesIs the First Lord aware that his Department has been made a very substantial offer for the hire of this vessel, arid why is it kept idle when it can be earning money?
§ Mr. AlexanderI had a look into that, and I feel convinced, in my own mind, that this vesesl would not, by the time we had authorised the alterations to make her suitable for the service for which she would be hired, be economical, and that it is much better to sell her as she lies.
§ Sir Ronald RossIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many short-distance passenger services—B.A.O.R. leave and so on—are not assisted by the Admiralty with vessels of this sort or any other sort, and that many ships are badly needed for the cross-Channel services owing to many others being in the locker bearing the same name as that of the hon. Member who asked the Question, and would the First Lord release some of them?
§ Mr. AlexanderI am trying to do my best for the public interest, and, in this case, the public interest would best be served by selling this vessel for the highest price I can get.