§ Sir W. Smilesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that about 1,000 engines of about 100 h.p. have been lying in the Admiralty stores for 12 months or more; and if he will now allow some of these engines to be purchased for use in fishing boats.
Mr. AlexanderAs the hon. and gallant Member has already been informed in correspondence, the Admiralty stocks of the type of engine referred to are no greater than is essential to ensure against possible breakdowns; the actual number is in fact less than 100. The disposal of all types of internal combustion engines except aircraft, submarine, wheeled and marine propulsion engines over 1,500 h.p. is the responsibility of the Ministry of Supply. In addition to the engines referred to above there are a number of American Lend-Lease engines in store in the United Kingdom awaiting a decision regarding the disposal of Lend-Lease equipment.