EX-GERMAN VESSELS (FIRES).

HC Deb 28 October 1920 vol 133 cc1937-8

72. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

asked the Prime Minister whether the German liners "Bismarck" and "Victoria Luise" have been seriously damaged by fire, and what is the extent of the damage; whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the cause of the fire and, if so, to what reason is it attributed; whether the "Bismarck" is to be handed over to the Allies under the terms of the Peace Treaty and subsequent arrangements; whether she was fully insured at the time the fire occurred; and, if so, whether the benefit of such insurance will accrue to the Allies?

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

I have been asked to reply, I understand that the Reparation Commission have received reports in regard to the fires to which the hon. Member refers. The damage to the "Bismarck" is estimated at about £20,000. The vessel has since the fire been inspected by officers of the Reparation Com-mission, but it has not been possible to ascertain the cause of the fire. No estimate has been made of the damage done to the "Victoria Luise," which, under the arrangements made by the Reparation Commission, is not deliverable by Germany. The German Government has undertaken to complete the construction of the "Bismarck" and to deliver her as a completed vessel to the Allies. Until such delivery the vessel is in the possession of the German Government, and I am unable to state what arrangements they have made for insuring her.

Sir F. HALL

What steps are being taken by the German Government to see that there is no undue delay in repairing and delivering the "Bismarck"?

Colonel WILSON

The representatives of the Reparation Commission are in Germany, and they are carefully watching the completion of the work on the "Bismarck."

Viscount CURZON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that the German Government are taking steps to prevent any further recrudescence of those fires?

Colonel WILSON

That is a question entirely for the Reparation Commission.

Sir F. HALL

Do you know the cause of the burnings? [An HON. MEMBER: "Fire."] I mean the cause of the fires.

Colonel WILSON

I have already answered that question.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

Is it not a fact that ten German ships have been burned?

Colonel WILSON

I could not say without notice.