HC Deb 21 June 1933 vol 279 cc768-70
10. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the rates of insurance on hull and machinery, and on cargo, respectively, given out to Lloyds and other underwriters in respect of Government-owned oilers engaged in carrying oil to the account of private companies; and how these rates compare with those charged to privately-owned shipping?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

No insurance is paid by the Admiralty to Lloyds or other underwriters on the hull and machinery of Government-owned oilers carrying oil for private companies. The insurance of the cargoes is a matter for the private companies concerned. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

11. Mr. H. JOHNSTONE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the quantity of oil carried in Government-owned oilers to the account of private companies in the years 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 respectively?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the reply, which includes a good many figures, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. JOHNSTON

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman approves of a system whereby Government-owned ships, which have no insurance costs to meet, undercut privately-owned oilers, many of which are lying idle?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

No, Sir. We take care not to undercut privately-owned oilers, and we adopt the same rates.

Following is the reply:

The oil carried in Government-owned oilers on voyage charter to private companies in 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 was 359,200 tons, 268,800 tons, 159,200 tons and 194,100 tons respectively. In addition time charters were arranged which were approximately equivalent to the employment of 5, 3, 1½ and I oilers for the full 12 months in each of the four years named. The cargo carried while on time charter is a matter for charterers. Figures are not available at the Admiralty. The use of Government oilers on commercial account was equivalent in the financial years 1929,

1930, 1931 and 1932 to 43 per cent., 30 per cent., 15 per cent. and about 18 per cent. of total available user of the vessels in service. In many instances the vessels against which the Admiralty oilers were in competition were under a foreign flag.