§ 78. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the United States Shipping Board has allocated to the service of Italy some twenty-five steamers and to France some twenty steamers; whether, notwithstanding this, British steamers carrying, or intended to carry, food to this country are being diverted to France and Italy; whether many large British steamers are employed in carrying American troops to this side; and whether, with every effort to assist our Allies to the utmost of our abilities, due regard will nevertheless be given to the food necessities of the United Kingdom?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir L. Chiozza Money)The answer to all four 1183 parts of the question is in the affirmative. The assistance which is being given by Great Britain was decided upon after careful consideration of the respective needs and means of the different Allies including Great Britain, and of the way in which British shipping could be so utilised as to be of the greatest advantage lo the general cause.
§ 79. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, in view of the number of British ships transferred to the service of our Allies and the demands made upon this country for further tonnage by them, the Shipping Controller will make representations in the proper quarters so that our Allies may be fully informed of the sacrifices we have already made and are making on their behalf and of our own needs for tonnage?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe action suggested in this question has been already taken. Our Allies are fully aware of the tonnage sacrifices which have been made by this country for the common cause.
§ Mr. HOUSTONThen may I ask whether it is not the fact that we have already given over 2,000,000 tons of British shipping to France at Blue Book rates. and that the French shipowners have been free from requisition and are working at commercial rates exploiting British shipping, and that it is only within the last few days that the French Government have taken the power to requisition their shipping?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt is perfectly true that we have been good Allies in this matter. I am sorry my hon. Friend should suggest that anything that has been done has been done grudgingly.
§ Mr. HOUSTONMay I ask why the hon. Gentleman says that I suggested it had been done grudgingly?
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes the hon. Gentleman not think there ought to be some reciprocity between the Allies?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThere is reciprocity in all these matters. We have to make equal sacrifices.