HC Deb 14 May 1918 vol 106 cc185-6
18. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the Shipping Controller is aware that practically all British-owned steamers and neutral-owned steamers chartered by British owners, engaged in the United States River Plate trade and vice versâ, have been withdrawn by the British Government from this trade for purposes of the War, and that American firms, several of them new to the trade, have for some time past been running this service with consequent loss of goodwill and connections to the British owners who instituted and conducted this trade prior to the War; and whether, seeing that the United States are Allies of ours, he will make representations to the United States authorities through the proper channel that there should be equality of sacrifice and service, and that preferential treatment should not be accorded to American owners to the detriment of British owners?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)

The facts with regard to the withdrawal of vessels under British control from commercial to war service are as indicated in the question. The principle of equality of sacrifice is the basis of the present arrangements for the co-operative use of tonnage by the Allies. Its application to particular cases is always, of course, a matter of considerable difficulty and is the subject of constant communications between the Allies.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since this question was put upon the Paper another American firm, new to this trade, has entered this trade, and that British shipowners are shut out?

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

That may be. But I would suggest to my hon. Friend that the relative sacrifices of the Allies are constantly changing and cannot be measured properly except as a whole and not in relation to any particular matter.

Mr. HOUSTON

How can my hon. Friend explain that this trade is being run by American firms and that British firms are shut out?

Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY

My hon. Friend must be aware of the difficulties under which we labour in this matter. We are doing our very best to secure co-operation in all these matters.

Mr. HOUSTON

You have not got it.