HC Deb 12 August 1919 vol 119 c1101
66. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether it is pro posed to restrict the further sale of un damaged British merchant ships to foreigners for a period in view of the grave shortage of British tonnage?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Leslie Wilson)

The sale of undamaged British merchant ships to foreign purchasers is not permitted except in cases in which in the judgment of the Shipping Controller no prejudice to national interests is involved.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any standard ships have been sold to foreigners, and if it is intended to sell any more standard Government-built ships as they are built?

Colonel WILSON

As I have already in formed the hon. Member 105 standard ships have been sold, and five others, making a total of 110. Every application for the purchase of ships by a foreigner is considered on its merits by the Shipping Controller.

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