§ 86. Mr. L. JONESasked who exercises the patronage involved in placing standard ships under the management of ship-managing or ship-owning firms; on what principle and in what order the firms are selected; according to what rules are the number of ships placed in their hands arrived at; and does the principle of allocation bear any relation to the numbers of vessels managed by the firms before the War or under requisition at the present time?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThe Shipping Controller appoints the managers of standard ships. In doing so he has regard mainly to the experience of firms in managing similar distribution as widespread as possible.
§ Mr. JONESCan the hon. Gentleman say by what method the Shipping Controller works this business. Does he act through his own office or through agents?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYHe acts through his own office.