§ 4. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the declared policy of the Government to sell ex-enemy ships allotted to the British Government only to British and Allied nationals has been abandoned; if so, what new policy has been adopted; whether before selling the 10 ex-German ships 1774 recently sold to Germans any attempts were made to sell them to Allied or neutral nationals; and whether it is proposed to sell any other ex-German ships to Germans?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)The circumstances relating to the sale of the 10 ex-German ships were stated in the answer given to the hon. Baronet on 20th June, and also in a letter by Lord Inchcape which appeared in the "Times" of the same day. As regards the future, it will be seen from the advertisements issued by Lord Inchcape, who is selling the ex-enemy vessels on behalf of the Reparation Commission, that up to 30th June offers, will be received from British nationals, but offers for vessels unsold at that date will then be received from foreign as well as from British buyers.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERHas the hon. Gentleman's Department consulted the Chamber of Shipping as to the desirability of having the benefits of these sales preserved for British and Allied nationals rather than for Germans?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI do not doubt that Lord Inchcape has that consideration in mind.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my hon. Friend see that before this entirely new policy is adopted the experience and advice of the Chamber of Shipping is asked for?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI must say during the period these vessels have been on sale ample opportunity has been given to any person desiring to buy them in this country.
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYIs the hon. Baronet aware that German owners who may buy these vessels will be able to run them at less than half the running cost British shipowners will run them as at present?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI must have notice of that question.