asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many small craft have been sold to date by the Director of Small Craft Disposal; how many small craft are still to be disposed of; and what is the total sum realized from these sales.

Mr. Dugdale:

Up to 26th June last, a total of 7,486 small craft had been sold by the Director of Small Craft Disposals. The sum realised was £3,298,402. On the same date, 2,108 small craft were awaiting disposal. Other craft will probably become available for disposal from various sources for some time to come.

Does not the Minister think that this type of small craft, which has been lying idle for two years and deteriorating, would be much better sold at any price rather than that they should be wasted, as they are now?

Mr. Dugdale:

I could not possibly admit that. The sale of small craft has been extremely effective. We have had good prices, and it has been a very good financial operation.

Has not the moment now arrived when the small craft that have not been sold might be given away to training units?

Mr. Dugdale:

I will certainly give that point consideration.

Could the Minister say where these craft may be seen by possible purchasers, and in what conditions?

Mr. Dugdale:

They are in all sorts of places. I suggest that application should be made to the Secretary of the Admiralty.

Will the hon. Gentleman say if those craft which are suitable for inshore fishing could be sent on a tour round the coast so that they could be seen by prospective purchasers, instead of the prospective purchasers having to make long journeys to London?

Mr. Dugdale:

I will consider that possibility, but it will mean the use of a number of people in the performance of that work, and we are naturally anxious to cut down the number as far as possible.

Could my hon. Friend say how many of these craft will be capable of being sent out without work being done on them?

Mr. Dugdale:

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what classes of motor vessels, suitable for use in, or conversion for, the fishing industry, his Department has available for sale; where they may be seen; and what provision is made for supplying spare parts for them.

The only class of motor vessel at the disposal of the Admiralty acceptable to the fishing industry is that known as motor fishing vessels, which vary in size from 45 feet to 90 feet. In addition to the vessels of this type which have already been sold, negotiations are now in hand for the sale of a further 24 vessels. This number represents the total at present available for disposal. Vessels are sold as they lie, together with such items of equipment proper to the, vessels as are available on board or on shore. No provision is made by the Admiralty for the supply of spare parts.

Can the Minister say how many of these vessels are of American make, and, in view of the spare-part difficulty, whether spare parts can be got for them?

I am afraid I cannot give details with regard to those of American make, but I think I can say that the vast Majority, if not all, are of British make.

Is the hon. Gentleman in contact with the Sea Fisheries Committee for the purpose of trying to dispose of these and other surplus vessels?

When these vessels are suitable for disposal, it is the policy of the Admiralty to get into touch with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Scottish Home Department for the purpose of drawing the attention of the fishing interests to the matter.

In considering this question, will my hon. Friend bear in 'mind the claims of fishermen who have lost boats during the war so that they may have priority?

As I have said, we communicate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Scottish Home Department so that they may submit the vessels to their respective buyers.

Will the hon Gentleman say what is the price of these vessels?

The price varies according to the type of vessel, but the average price for the 90-ft. type is between £6,000 and £10,000 each, for the 75-ft. type, £5,000 each, for the 45-ft. type, with engines, £2,450, and £1,200 each at launching stage without engines.

Will the hon. Gentleman go a little further in his excellent efforts to get rid of these vessels by getting into direct contact with the local county authorities who are very closely connected with the fishing interests?

I cannot see the purpose of doing that at the moment because we have only 24 vessels for disposal, and negotiations are at present taking place for that number. However, if any more come along for disposal, I will certainly bear the hon. Gentleman's suggestion in mind.