§ 42. Mr. WATTasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any prisoners of war are imprisoned on board vessels; if so, will he say how many vessels are so employed and the tonnage they amount to; and whether these vessels belong to the nation or are on charter?
§ Mr. H. J. TENNANTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second part, nine; to the third part, 102,205; and to the last part, "on charter."
§ Mr. WATTCannot the right hon. Gentleman free this tonnage from this use, in view of the fact that tonnage is so scarce?
§ Mr. TENNANTWe have every desire to do so, but it is impossible to make arrangements at once. When we are able to do so, we shall release the ships.