§ 32. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Prime Minister how many tons of shipping have been handed over by Germany between 11th November, 1918, and 20th May, 1921; whether those ships are credited to Germany toward the reduction of the indemnity; whether £20 per ton has been the valuation credited to Germany; and whether he can state how many ships have been sold and the rate per ton at which they have been sold?
Mr. YOUNG2,187,267 gross tons of shipping were handed over by Germany between 11th November, 1918, and 1st May, 1921; in respect of this shipping the Reparation Commission has credited Germany with approximately 660,000,000 gold marks, representing an average value of £20 per gross ton net at the rate of exchange current at the relevant period. 343 vessels (representing 1,528,938 gross tons) were delivered to Great Britain and realised a sum of £17,294,412 which is approximately £11.3 per gross ton. I am not in possession of figures as to the number of ships sold by other Powers and the amounts realised.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of these 582 German ships being "pinched" a large number of British shipbuilders have been deprived of employment?