HC Deb 08 July 1902 vol 110 cc1074-5
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the offer of Mr. Pierpont Morgan, on behalf of the new shipping combine, to place for the next fifty years at the disposal of the Admiralty, on certain terms, British ships in the combine, has been accepted or considered.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORMER,) Belfast, W.

An offer has been received, the details of which I am not in a position to communicate to the House, though I may say that the point mentioned in the hon. Member's Question is included. The offer has not as yet been accepted, because it can only be dealt with in relation to British shipping generally in the Atlantic trade, the position of which is being very carefully considered by His Majesty's Government. As soon as His Majesty's Government are in a position to make a general statement on the subject to the House, they will do so.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)

From whom has the offer been received?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

From Mr. Pierpont Morgan.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

No, Sir.

SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)

Do I understand that the offer is under consideration?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Yes, Sir that is so.