§ 57. Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any of the nine vessels chartered and utilised for the internment of prisoners has yet been freed; and, if not, on what dates it is anticipated that all will be liberated and the money saved to the country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)Two of these ships have been liberated. It is anticipated that more will be set free by the end of April, and the remainder from time to time as other accommodation becomes available.
§ Mr. TENNANTObviously I cannot answer that without notice.
§ 21. Mr. NEVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the highest freight per ton of coal charged for the use of any of the interned steamers lately made available for the coastal trade; and what is the average freight per ton charged for such interned steamers as compared with the average freight per ton charged for the use of similar steamers other than the interned steamers?
Mr. RUNCIMANFrom the Tyne to London the highest freight paid in the case of an interned steamer was 13s., which was 1s. 6d. to 2s. 6d. below rates on outside steamers. The present rate on interned steamers is 12s., and on outside steamers 14s. 6d. to 15s. 6d. The average rate to London during February was 13s. 6d. for outside steamers and 10s. 10d. for interned steamers.
§ 22. Mr. NEVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the gentlemen who form the committee which regulates the freights to be charged for the use of the interned steamers in the coastal trade are representatives of shipowners, distributing merchants, and consumers, respectively?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe methods by which freights are charged for the use of the interned steamers in the coasting trade are regulated by the Government.