HC Deb 30 January 1934 vol 285 cc177-8
10. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and the aggregate registered tonnage of British vessels transferred to foreign flags in the last three years, with the tonnage transferred to Panama, Finland, Yugoslavia, and Greece, respectively?

Dr. BURGIN

As the answer contains a tabular statement I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. GRENFELL

Will the hon. Gentleman state whether there have been very large transfers of British tonnage to some of these relatively unimportant countries, and whether there is some explanation for the disproportionate number of ships transferred to these countries, such as Panama and Greece?

Dr. BURGIN

I think that the hon. Gentleman will find the whole of the figures for Panama, Finland, Greece and

Vessels of 100 tons gross and upwards formerly registered at ports in the United Kingdom the registers of which were reported to the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen as having been closed on sale of the vessels to foreigners during each of the undermentioned years.
— No. of Vessels. Tons, Gross.
1931 … … … 172 570,654
1932 … … … 167 645,862
1933 … … … 237 972,466
Total … … 576 2,188,982

Yugoslavia are given for each of the three years for which he asks. Whether it is an important transfer or not is a matter of opinion. There is a considerable rise in the number of vessels transferred to Greece.

Mr. GRENFELL

Can the hon. Gentleman give an explanation for this transfer?

Dr. BURGIN

I think that that is a separate question, and perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of it.

Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

Is the question of the sale of ships to foreign countries a subject for discussion in the negotiations now taking place between the Government and the Chamber of Shipping?

Dr. BURGIN

It is certainly an allied question which might properly be discussed at the same time if there is any general desire.

Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

Have the Government any intention of putting an embargo on the sale of British ships to foreign countries?

Dr. BURGIN

That is quite another question.

Following is the statement:

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