§ 3. Mr. Donnerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the decision not to recommission H.M.S. "Ajax," he will give an undertaking in the light of the historic achievements of this ship and her war-time company that she will be broken up for scrap in this country rather than sold to a foreign Power.
§ Mr. DonnerWould it not be more appropriate, as well as more dignified, to break up this ship for scrap, rather than to haggle with a territorial-grasping South American Republic about prices?
§ Commander NobleCan the Parliamentary Secretary tell us where this ship is now?
§ Mr. DugdaleThat is another question.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIf there are to be these protracted delays in disposing of this vessel, will not my hon. Friend re-consider the question of breaking up this ship for scrap, which is very badly needed by the steel industry?
§ Mr. DugdaleThat possibility is being considered, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly after the House resumes after the Christmas Recess.