§ Miss Vickersasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty why naval radio equipment, valued at £500, was sold for £10 from Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devon-port; why, since it was of marginal value to a potential enemy, it was not dismantled before sale; and why, upon its recovery and return, the Admiralty paid £55 for it.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe equipment concerned was obsolete, no longer in operational use in the Fleet, and was sold as part of a "lot" of surplus naval stores at scrap value.
Although the main equipment was dismantled, this unit was not so treated. A subsequent routine reassessment suggested that the unit might be of marginal value to an enemy, and steps were taken to recover it at the best price that could be negotiated. A review has been started to see whether any changes in procedure are necessary.