asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a prototype of the British minesweepers purchased by his Department was recently sold for the sum of £18,000 and if he can make a statement on the matter.

I am not so aware and it would be idle to comment in the absence of specific details.

Is the Minister aware that I have in my possession advertisements for the exact prototype at £25,000 and upwards, depending on the equipment required, for the boats that he paid £200,000 for?

I find it very hard to accept the Deputy's statement. He may get a scrap vessel for something in the neighbourhood of that figure. In fact, we will be selling one of our old corvettes in the very near future and it will probably be sold for around that.

I think the Minister bought scrap.

I am disappointed by the Deputy's judgement——

He got very bad value.

——that a good mine-sweeper could be brought for £18,000.

These are freely advertised.

They may be advertised but their condition is another matter.