HC Deb 04 May 1915 vol 71 c964
47. Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the Prime Minister why the Government do not condemn and take over, under the provisions of the Prize Court, the merchant vessels at present interned belonging to Germany?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The merchant vessels referred to have already been dealt with in the Prize Court They have not been condemned as prize, but ordered to be detained under the provisions of The Hague Convention No. VI. of 1907. There would be no advantage in a change in the status of these vessels, as all of them capable of being utilised are now in use.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Is there not a shortage in carrying power on the water of merchandise which has run up the freight rates and the price of provisions, and may I ask whether these ships could not be utilised?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That does not arise out of this question. I say that all ships capable of being utilised are now in use.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Are the Germans to have the benefit of The Hague Convention whenever it suits their purpose, and are they to be allowed to disregard it when they choose?