§ 37. Mr. MacLARENasked the President of the Board of Trade if any ex-enemy ships have been sold at an average price of £l per ton; and, if so, how many ships have been sold at that rate and the tonnage?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)Nine of the ex-enemy ships, of a total gross tonnage of 63,028 tons, were sold for less than £1 a ton. The average age of these ships in 1920 was 26 years.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre they to be broken up, or will they be used for trading purposes?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThey have been sold. Our interest ceases when they are sold and we have got the money.