§ 50. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Prime Minister whether he could state the total amount of money received and due from British ship owners under the requisition scheme from its inception to date?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel L. Wilson)I have been asked to reply. The approximate amount of money received and due from British ship owners under the requsition scheme is £112,000,000, but this amount has been, or will be, expended in payments to ship owners in respect of hire, lines organisation expenses, total losses, and club calls, etc., with the possible exception of an amount which will be relatively small, but which cannot be calculated with accuracy until all accounts have been rendered and dealt with.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not mistaken as far as losses are concerned? Are these not already paid for out of insurance, on which a profit of £16,000,000 was made?
§ Colonel WILSONMy answer is quite accurate. The hon. Member asked for certain figures, and I have given the amount asked for.