HC Deb 09 March 1920 vol 126 cc1105-6
63. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether the ss. "War Charger," 5,703 tons gross register, built in 1918, and owned by the Shipping Controller, was recently sold to Greek buyers; whether, at about the same time, permission to sell to Greek buyers the ss. "Clan Lamont," 3,594 tons gross register, 20 years old and due for survey, was refused by the Shipping Controller; and if he will state the reasons for this refusal to sell an old ship, in view of the fact that the Shipping Controller at the same time sold a new ship to Greeks?

Colonel WILSON

The facts are as stated in the question. Each case of proposed transfer of a privately-owned British ship to a foreign flag is dealt with on its merits, and in the case of the "Clan Lamont" it was decided after very full consideration that sanction to the transfer could not be given.

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Can the hon. Gentleman indicate the particular reasons for that decision that the sale of an old ship should not be allowed?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question.