§ 42. Major HUNTasked the President of the Board of Trade why two whole fleets of ships under the British flag were allowed to be transferred to the American flag during the War, in view of the fact that these ships would have been useful for carrying meat for the supply of our troops and those of our Allies; and whether he can give the assurance that nothing of the sort will be allowed in future till after the end of the War?
Mr. HARCOURTThe vessels referred to were transferred in the early months of the War before the Government had power to control transfers. No such transfers would be possible or permitted now. I may add that the capital of the shipping companies owning the fleets in question was mostly American before the War.
§ Mr. HOUSTONCan the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the owners of the two fleets which were transferred?