§ 3. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked how many vessels belonging to the White Star Line have been armed with guns by the Admiralty; what is the estimated cost of arming such vessels; if any sum of money is paid annually or otherwise to the owners of the vessels in respect of their being so armed; and what steps have been taken to ensure that the vessels shall be available for the purposes for which they are armed in the event of war?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTwelve vessels of the White Star Line have been armed at the expense of the company, and no payment is made by the Admiralty. With regard to the last part of the question, the hon. Member is under a misapprehen- 1740 sion. No steps are being taken of the kind suggested, as it is necessary that the vessels should continue to follow in war as in peace their regular trading function, which is that of bringing supplies of food to this country.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLMight I ask if the Admiralty, apart from any payment, are supplying materials to these vessels?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, certainly.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot answer on the spur of the moment to questions of that kind. Notice should be given. The status of the company was carefully considered before the gulls were issued.
§ Mr. EUGENE WASONMay I ask whether there are any other companies put in the same position as the White-Star Line with reference to this question of supplying ships to the Admiralty?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is not a question of supplying ships to the Admiralty in time of war. My right hon. Friend will. I believe, realise that this process of arming ships has been confined to ships carrying food to this country in time of war for their self defence.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLMight I ask the-right hon. Gentleman why he selects ships controlled. by a foreign nation to arm them for British purposes?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that is a correct version of the case, but if I am to give an answer on the exact status of the ships of the White Star Line I must have a question upon the Paper so that I can give the House authoritative information on the subject.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot answer that question.