§ 39. Mr. WILLIAM ANDERSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether it is the intention of his Department to offer for sale publicly-owned ships to private shipowners; and if he will state the reasons which have led to this decision and the terms on which the ships will be sold?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt has been deided to offer a limited number of Government-owned merchant vessels to shipowners who have lost vessels through enemy action in replacement of those losses which, as my hon. Friend knows, are very serious. The main ground for this decision is the fact that since about the end of 1916 shipowners have, in the national interest, been precluded from building tonnage for themselves, all the slips having been reserved for the Government shipbuilding programme. The vessels will be sold on the basis of current 1918 market value. The decision will not in any way affect the use of the vessls, which, during the war emergency, will be employed as the national interests may require, on the same terms as other privately-owned tonnage.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the hon. Gentleman say whether he can get any shipowners to buy these ships?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYOne shipowner has already made a purchase, and there are several other cases under consideration.