HC Deb 17 August 1916 vol 85 cc2058-9
49. Major HUNT

asked whether the fifty German steamers obtained by us from Portugal are paid for; and, if so, to whom does the money go and what is the amount per ship per month?

Mr. HARCOURT

A number of ex-German steamers are being chartered to us by the Portuguese Government at the rate of 14s. 3d. per gross ton per month. We pay all the expenses of running the steamers.

Major HUNT

To whom does the money go when it is paid?

Mr. HARCOURT

To the Portuguese Government.

Mr. HOUSTON

Will any of that money find its way to Germany?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think that that is more a question for the Portuguese Government.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

What will happen in the event of these steamers being torpedoed?

Mr. HARCOURT

I believe that they will go to the bottom.

Major HUNT

Is it our plan to allow all our money to go to Germany in this way?

Mr. HARCOURT

No. No arrangement has been made to allow our money to go to Germany in any way.

Major HUNT

The right hon. Gentleman said that it was very likely to go there.

Mr. HARCOURT

No. I did nothing of the sort.