§ 11. Mr. STEWARTasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total meat-carrying capacity of British-owned steamers engaged under normal conditions in the Argentine frozen meat trade; how much of this tonnage has been acquired for the storage of frozen meat by our Allies in France and for our troops else where; whether a large proportion of the remaining tonnage is under charter to the American Beef Trust; and whether the Government will see that sufficient tonnage is reserved for purposes of home supply should the necessity arise?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Captain Pretyman)It would not be in accordance with the national interests to state what is the total meat-carrying capacity of British owned steamers engaged under normal conditions in the Argentine frozen meat trade, or what proportion of these vessels is engaged in the conveyance of meat for the Allied Forces. As my hon. Friend is aware, under the Order in Council of 29th April, 1915, all the insulated spaces in British vessels normally trading between the Argentine Republic or the Republic of Uruguay and the United Kingdom have been requisitioned for the use of His Majesty, except the vessels of one company, which are subject to long-term contracts with the meat companies of the River Plate for the conveyance of meat to the United Kingdom. Thus I am able to assure my hon. Friend that, either under requisition or under charter, the whole of the available tonnage is being utilised to the fullest advantage, and that the measures which have been taken will effectively prevent the diversion of vessels from the trade between the River Plate and the United Kingdom or France.
§ Mr. WATTHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the advisability of utilising German ships laid up in the harbours of this country?
§ Captain PRETYMANThat has been considered, but I should like notice of the question. It is being done, I know, in some cases.