HC Deb 05 May 1919 vol 115 cc564-5
19. Mr. H. EDWARDS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the ss. "Royal," a British steamer interned at Hamburg during the War, was advertised for sale by auction on the 15th April to a person, or persons, entitled to own a British ship; that the sale was postponed to the 6th May next for the purpose of allowing allied and neutral subjects to bid at the auction; and whether he will issue instructions that this steamer shall only be sold to a person entitled to own a British ship?

Sir A. GEDDES

In view of the extensive repairs required and the length of the time they were estimated to take, permission was given for allied and neutral subjects to bid at the auction, and it is not proposed to withdraw that permission.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scandinavian owners have been able to build up huge reserves during the War, thereby enabling them to bid at those acutions on more advantageous terms than British owners, and will he issue instructions for this auction only British and allied owners may compete.

Sir A. GEDDES

I am afraid my hon. Friend has not heard the special and peculiar reasons operating in this case—the extensive repairs and length of time it will take to carry out the repairs.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this steamer is bought by Scandinavian owners these repairs will go to a foreign company and deprive British labour of work?

Sir A. GEDDES

I do not think the hon. Member need fear about work in the British shipbuilding at the present time.