HC Deb 15 March 1920 vol 126 c1822W
Mr. J. BROWN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the effect on prices of the limited quantity of merchant shipping now available, he will appoint a representative committee to consider the question of using naval tonnage to relieve the existing shortage of freight space?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am afraid that naval ships that are not in the post-war fleet would in nearly every case require a considerable outlay for refit and alteration before being able to undertake such work, and when employed would be very extravagant in fuel and personnel. There are a large number of ships on the Disposal and Sale List, any of which it is open to a commercial firm to buy should they consider it a profitable speculation.