HC Deb 31 July 1916 vol 84 c2040
7. Sir E. CORNWALL

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs what is the number of enemy ships which, since the start of the War, have become available for the use of the Allies through seizure in allied ports; how many of these are now held up in Lisbon or in other Portuguese ports; and when they will become ready for use?

Lord R. CECIL

So far as is known, the number of enemy vessels seized in British and allied ports is as follows:

In British ports 144
In French ports 12
In Russian ports 30
In Italian ports 59
Those seized in British and Italian ports are all in employment. His Majesty's Government have no precise information as regards the numbers employed by the French and Russian Governments. A considerable number of enemy vessels have also been captured at sea. Seventy-one enemy steamers and three sailing vessels have been seized by the Portuguese Government. These will all be employed as soon as repairs are completed.