11. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked what is the total tonnage of enemy mercantile shipping which has been taken over by Great Britain; what is the tonnage still held by the United States; and whether the Government have any information as to pending negotiations for the re-transfer by America to German interests of certain ships formerly under German control?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel L. Wilson)I have been asked to reply. In addition to prize and detained ships amounting to approximately 450,000 gross tons, Great Britain has been allotted 1,330,000 gross tons of enemy shipping for temporary management. With regard to the second part of the question, the United States have about 575,000 gross tons of ex-enemy shipping. As regards the third part of 9 the question, my attention has been called to paragraphs which have appeared in the Press, but I am not in a position to make any definite statement.
Sir F. HALLHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman made any inquiries with regard to the last part of my question?
§ Colonel WILSONI understand that there has been a discussion by the Committee of Commerce in the United States, and it has been decided by them that none of the vessels in question shall be sold unless and until specific instructions and authority has been given by Congress.