§ 26. Mr. ROBINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade how many British merchant vessels have been sold to foreign owners between 1st August, 1914, and 1st January, 1916, and the approximate tonnage?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe total number of British vessels of all kinds which were sold to foreigners during the seventeen months 238 ending 31st December, 1915, is 269, with a total gross tonnage of 552,407. From the beginning of 1915, when the Government obtained power to control transfers, to 31st December, the number of steamers registered in the United Kingdom of over 500 tons gross which were sold to foreigners (excluding those sold to Allied Governments) was forty-five. Every case of proposed transfer is closely examined by the Board of Trade and Admiralty, and in those cases in which transfer is allowed it is the practice to require a very heavy bond, backed by a London bank, guaranteeing the manner in which the vessel will be traded during the War.
§ Mr. ROBINSONIs it not time that the sale of these ships was absolutely prohibited?
§ Mr. ANDERSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that these transactions have had any effect in bringing about the enormous increase in freightage that has taken place in this country?
Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir, it has had absolutely no effect at all. Every one of these vessels has had to be continued in trade beneficial to this country or the Allies, or under arrangements made with neutrals by which we benefit.
§ Mr. HOUSTONCan the right hon. Gentleman give us the net tonnage of the 269 ships?
§ Mr. ROBINSONWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question—whether the time has not arrived when the sale of these vessels should be prohibited?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question of which notice should be given.