18. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state what practice will be followed as regards the proceeds of German ships and cargoes seized by us at and since the declaration of War; and whether he can now make any statement as to the possible application of these proceeds, wholly or in part, to reimburse the owners of British ships and cargoes which have been seized by the Germans?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAUnder the Order in Council published on the declaration of War between this country and Germany, and The Hague Convention of 1907, those German vessels which were in port on War being declared are not liable to confiscation, but only to detention during the period of the War. As regards German ships which have been captured by His Majesty's ships, the proceeds of those which are condemned by the Prize Courts will, as announced in the Press on the 29th August—after certain deductions— 935 form a fund out of which a distribution in the shape of prize bounties will be made to the Fleet on a basis to be subsequently determined and announced by Proclamation.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, is any list being published of British ships captured by the Germans?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have published the list of German ships captured by His Majesty's ships up to the 12th of September. I have no knowledge of any other matter.
Mr. DUNDAS WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the German Government are adopting a similar rule as regards British cargoes and ships captured in German ports?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid I cannot say that.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to how many British ships have been arrested?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo; but I will make inquiries on the point.