HC Deb 09 March 1936 vol 309 cc1784-5
55 Mr. SHORT

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the reasons why the United Africa Company, Limited, of London, had the motor vessel "Eketian" constructed in Germany during 1935;

(2) The reasons why Anglo-Saxon Petroleum, Limited, London, had two motor vessels, namely, the "Alexia" and the "Auris", constructed in Germany and Italy, respectively, during 1935;

(3) The reason why the Aberdeen Steam Trawling anal Fishing Company, Limited, had four fishing vessels, namely, "Else Rykens," "Neil Mackay," "Peter Hendriks," and "Paul Rykens," constructed in Germany during 1935?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

I have no official information on the subject, but I have been in communication with the firms concerned. I am informed that the vessels named in Questions Nos. 55 and 57 were built as a means of liquidating outstanding frozen balances in Germany. With regard to the "Alexia" and the "Auris," I am informed that the group of oil companies of which the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company is a member carries on business all over the world and therefore has interests in both Germany and Italy, the countries in which the vessels were built respectively. The two vessels formed part of large orders for tanker tonnage placed in 1934 and 1935, of which 25 vessels were contracted for with United Kingdom shipyards.

Mr. BELLENGER

Does this procedure meet with the approval of the hon. Gentleman?