§ 95. Mr. GOULDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, seeing that his Department have authorised the sale of British vessels over fifteen years to foreigners at prices nearly approximating the cost of similar-sized new vessels, he will explain why he now demands approximately 75 per cent, of the difference between the British and foreign market values; and whether he is aware that owners will not take advantage of his suggestion, and that his action is preventing the placing of new orders by shipowners, and consequently restricting the opportunities of long, continuous employment in the engineering and shipbuilding trades?
Colonel WILSONAs regards the former part of this question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question of 10th instant on the same subject. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.