HC Deb 25 November 1919 vol 121 cc1621-2
61 Mr. A. SHORT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if the ss. "Acquitania," of the Cunard Steamship Company, recently ran ashore; if so, whether he can state the volume and nature of the damage caused;

(2). whether he can state if the ss. "Acquitania," of the Cunard Steamship Company, is now considered seaworthy; whether the customary certificate has been issued;

(3). whether the Government have made any payment to the Cunard Steamship Company for the reconditioning of the steamship "Acquitania"; whether such sum includes the payment to meet the repairs of the damage the ship recently suffered in running ashore; and. If [...], what was the amount paid?

Colonel WILSON

So far as I can ascertain, the steamship "Acquitania" has not recently been ashore. She is now being reconditioned in Liverpool, and her passenger certificate, which is a matter for the Board of Trade, will presumably not be issued until the work is completed. A payment in respect of the reconditioning has been agreed upon between the Ministry of Shipping and the Cunard Company.

Mr. SHORT

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the amount that has been paid?

Colonel WILSON

Yes, Sir. A lump sum was accepted by the Cunard Company which the Treasury think entirely satisfactory. The actual sum is £87,500, plus five and a half mouths' hire.