§ 12. Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Trade what transfers of shipping have taken place to and from the British register during the last six months?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The reports received by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen show that, during the six months ended 30th June last, 207 ships purchased from foreign countries were registered as British ships, and 141 ships sold to foreign countries were removed from the register.
§ Mr. StanleyI cannot do so without notice.
§ 14. Mr. Marcus Samuelasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any regulations to prevent British ships being transferred to foreign ownership; and whether the foreign ships which have recently been transferred to the British flag can with equal facility be re-transferred to foreign ownership?
§ Mr. StanleyThere are in peace no regulations which prevent any British ship, whether or not she has previously been in foreign ownership, from being transferred to foreign owners.
§ Mr. ManderDoes it not seem to be likely that a number of ships will be transferred to the flags of countries which are giving protection to their shipping?
§ Miss HorsbrughCan my right hon. Friend say which countries are giving their ships protection?
§ Mr. StanleyExcept this country, I do not know of any.