HC Deb 24 February 1915 vol 70 cc246-7
1. Mr. FELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the three prize ships which have been lying at Cape Town since last August cannot be at once sent on to their respective destinations under prize crews and there unloaded, and the British cargo delivered to the British consignees and the doubtful or foreign cargo landed and left for future decision, and the ships then utilised for commerce, in which they are so needed?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

It is not possible to undertake the expense and risk of dealing with other people's property in this manner, unless the owners, or someone on their behalf, will indemnify the Admiralty against expense and loss. Arrangements with this object in view are practically complete, and, as a matter of fact, one vessel—the "Birkenfels"—was on the 11th instant handed over to the representative of the shipping company which has been entrusted with the contract for the purpose of being prepared for the voyage. Arrangements for the other vessels are in progress. It should be understood, that this procedure involves a departure from procedure previously observed in regard to prize ships, and the arrangements have involved a great deal of telegraphing and communication with various authorities.

Mr. FELL

Is not our complaint against the Government that under the exceptional circumstances which prevail exceptional steps should have been taken to utilise these steamers?

Dr. MACNAMARA

We have done so in this case.

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