§ 2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the steamers "Kurmark," "Frankenfels," "Rotenfels," "Freienfels," and "Braunfels," formerly prizes of war, which have been managed by the Indian Government or the India Office for some years, have been run at a profit; if so, at what profit; whether it is now proposed to sell them to Greek shippers; what is the reason for this policy; and what provision is to be made to maintain the employment of the British officers and seamen employed in these ships?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The total profit earned on the five ships named amounts to something over £1,700,000. These ships were condemned to detention only, and condemnation as prize cannot be obtained. They therefore have to be handed over to the Reparation Commission under the Treaty of Versailles. It is understood that the Reparation Commission will allot them for final ownership to the British Govern- 3 ment. The remaining parts of the question should therefore be addressed to the Board of Trade.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I take it that, so far as the India Office is concerned, they will endeavour to continue the management of this very profitable undertaking, and not allow these ships to be sold over their heads?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo. As I have already explained, it does not lie with either the India Office or the Government of India; it is a matter under the Treaty of Versailles, and my answer stated the legal position.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI want to get this matter clear. The Reparation Commission will presently have the vessels to dispose of, and is there any reason why they should not be made over to the India Office?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is a matter for the Reparation Commission. It has nothing whatever to do with the India Office.