HC Deb 26 April 1920 vol 128 c818
29. Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister whether the allocation of ex-German ships to our Allies and to Great Britain so far decided can now be stated; and if he can state whether any ships and, if so, which still remain to be allocated?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Wilson)

I have been asked to reply. No ex-enemy vessel has as yet been allocated to final ownership by the Reparation Commission. The Maritime Service to the Reparation Commission has, however, announced that they will proceed to the division of the ex-enemy tonnage on the 15th June. The present division of ex-enemy ships delivered under the terms of the Armistice, is only a temporary allocation to management pending a decision as to final ownership.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Are they war-ships or commercial ships?

Colonel WILSON

Commercial.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the report true that 155,000 tons of merchant shipping which was to have been allotted to this country has been handed over to the French, and, if so, by whose authority?

Colonel WILSON

I cannot answer that without notice. It does not arise out of the question on the Paper.