Mr. T. THOMSON:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any vessels have been, or are intended to be, sunk when condemned as obsolete instead of being broken up for scrap purposes?

The hon. Member no doubt has in mind the vessels to be scrapped under the Washington Treaty. No decision has yet been made regarding the method of disposing of these ships but the hon. Member may rest assured that every effort is being made to secure such benefit to the National Exchequer and assistance to employment as is consistent with the fulfilment of the Treaty. I may mention that the Admiralty have discussed the question in detail with the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers and this body, at the suggestion of the Admiralty, is at present negotiating with the ship breakers. One battleship is being used as a target for gunnery and bombing experiments.

Dr. MURRAY:

Is it a fact that 10 large ships, including the "Lion," are being sent over to Germany in order to be broken up there? Could not they be broken up in this country and thus afford employment?

If it is posssible to get ships broken up in this country we endeavour to do so.

Dr. MURRAY:

How many are going to Germany?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice.