§ 44. Sir PERCY HARRISasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposed sale of the Royal Mail Steamship "Mauretania" has any relation to the Government subsidy to the Royal Mail Steamship "Queen Mary"; and 1728 whether the Government approves the sale to foreign buyers of this famous ship?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)The sale of the vessel in question, if effected, would have no relation to the assistance granted by the Government under the North Atlantic Shipping Act. The terms and conditions of any such sale would be a matter for the decision of the board of the company in the ordinary course of business.
§ Sir P. HARRISAre we to understand that shipowners can sell their ships to foreigners, but cannot buy back British ships from foreigners without the permission of the Government?