§ Mr. Marloweasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why H.M.S. "Aurora" has been transferred to the Government of China; what was the cost of constructing this cruiser, and what payment has been received, or other financial arrangements made, with respect to this transfer.
Mr. DugdaleAs I explained in reply to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Sir R. Ross) on 4th December, 1946, the proposed loan of H.M.S. "Aurora" forms part of the help we are giving to the Chinese Government in the rebuilding of their Navy. This ship was constructed at a cost of one and a quarter million pounds. The terms of transfer are at present the subject of negotiations with the Chinese Government.