§ 53. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he can state definitely that every French merchant steamer has now been requisitioned by the French Government for national and allied purposes; and, if so, can he state the date on which the last French steamer was so requisitioned?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYI understand that the French Government has sanctioned a decree providing for the requisition, as from 1st March, of all 604 French merchant vessels in France, in the foreign colonies and Protectorates, and in foreign countries
§ Mr. HOGGECan my hon. Friend say whether British-owned ships are used by the French at Blue Book rates, while the French use their own ships for commercial purposes?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYWe are not responsible for the use of ships by the French Government.