HC Deb 05 February 1957 vol 564 c31W
61. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost of the diesel-type tug "Crystal II"; whether this tug has now been sold; and at what price.

Mr. John Hare

This tug, which was built in 1932, cost £3,800. It was sold last summer for £1,165. This vessel ceased to be of further use to the Army on the abolition of Anti-Aircraft Command.

62 and 63. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the cost of the target tower "Sambre"; the cost of its refitting in 1951–52; whether this craft has been sold; and at what price;

(2) the cost of the target tower "Bethune"; whether this craft has been sold; and at what price.

Mr. John Hare

"Sambre" and "Bethune" were built during the war at a cost of £25,000 and £36,000 respectively. The former was refitted in 1952 at a cost of £6,419. Following the abolition of coast artillery they were no longer required. As they were highly specialised craft they could not be economically converted and were therefore put up for disposal in the usual way by the Admiralty. I understand that because of their specialised type and the expense of running them, they were not attractive to civilian buyers. "Sambre" realised £485 and "Bethune" £837.