HC Deb 23 August 1916 vol 85 cc2667-9
42. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that three large steamers are being built in this country for a private firm in a neutral country with starred labour; and whether, although the British Government can requisition these ships during the War, he can say whether the Government would have to give these ships back to the neutral owners at the end of the War?

46. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that two shipbuilding firms have contracted to build three large steamers for a private firm in a neutral country with starred labour; and if the Government intend taking any action in the matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)

The building of the steamers mentioned in the questions was allowed to proceed only on the express condition that no guarantee could be given that the vessels would ultimately be delivered to foreign owners, and the question whether they can be so delivered is now being considered by the Board of Trade and the Admiralty.

Mr. THORNE

When the ships are completed, will the Government see that they are only used for our own particular trade?

Mr. PRETYMAN

That is one of the conditions that will probably be made.

Major HUNT

Are we to understand from the answer that it is not now certain that the ships made by starred labour will be able to be kept for this country at the end of the War—is that what the answer meant?

Mr. PRETYMAN

It is not certain that they will be kept for this country or that it will be desirable to keep them for this country at the end of the War.

Major HUNT

Can you keep them if you want to keep them?

Mr. PRETYMAN

We can now make conditions which will enable us to keep them. That is what we have to consider, whether we think it is necessary to make those conditions or not. My hon. Friend will be aware that we have to consider neutrals, the trade of the world, and the shipbuilding trade of this country after the War, as well as our immediate interests during the War and after the War. The question is not so simple as it may appear.

Mr. THORNE

Will the hon. Gentleman see when they are completed that we get a guarantee from the shipowners that they are not going to be used by neutrals?

Mr. PRETYMAN

If they belong to neutral owners they will in that sense be used by neutrals, but the condition can be made, at any rate during the War, that they shall be used solely in the interests of Great Britain and for trade which is approved by us.

Mr. THORNE

Is it to be understood that starred labour of this country is to be used for the purpose, of building ships to supply neutral countries?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I have already explained to my hon. Friends our own ends are concerned with a very considerable period and not only with the immediate interests during the War, but shipbuilding facilities and the interests of this country in building ships not only for ourselves but for other nations of the world after the War, and those considerations cannot be lost sight of.

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

How can it possibly be to the interests of this country that after the War vessels built now with starred labour should be handed to neutral countries?