HC Deb 30 January 1961 vol 633 cc89-90W
Mr. Dodds

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what action was taken when selling the battleship, H.M.S. "Vanguard", for scrap to get the best possible price; how much was paid for it by the British Iron and Steel Corporation; how many bids were received; and what was the highest bid.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing:

Eighty-three firms and shipbrokers in the United Kingdom were invited to tender for the purchase of H.M.S. "Vanguard" for scrapping. Five tenders were received and the highest, that of the British Iron and Steel Corporation was accepted.

It is not normal practice to disclose contract prices.