20. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any second-hand tonnage has been
| Vessels in respect of which negotiations to purchase have been completed. | ||||||||
| Merchant Ship Reserve. | ||||||||
| Name of Ship. | Built. | Tonnage. | Normal Trading Speed in Knots | |||||
| Gross. | Deadweight. | |||||||
| "Celtic Star" | … | … | … | 1918 | 5,574 | 7,318 | 10½–11 | |
| "Transit" | … | … | … | 1919 | 3,091 | 5,150 | 9 | |
| "Manchester Producer" | … | 1916 | 5,106 | 8,570 | 12½ | |||
| "Trade" | … | … | … | … | 1912 | 5,848 | 9,000 | 9–10 |
| "Pentridge Hill" | … | … | 1917 | 5,119 | 8,035 | 9 | ||
| "Polycarp" | … | … | … | 1918 | 3,577 | 5,412 | 11 |
§ bought by the Government for the reserve of merchant ships; and, if so, will he give particulars of age, size, speed and other relevant data in each case?
§ Mr. StanleyNegotiations for the purchase of six vessels for the Merchant Ship Reserve have been completed, and I expect that the contracts will be signed shortly. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate details of the vessels in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. BellengerWill it include the price paid by His Majesty's Government for these vessels?
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that one vessel which was offered some months ago for £17,500 has been purchased by the Government at £20,000, and it is a vessel 20 years old?
§ Mr. StanleyPerhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.
§ Mr. ShinwellDid I not ask that question in the course of the recent Debate and did not the Government fail to reply?
§ Mr. StanleyIf the hon. Member will put down a specific question I will reply.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIf what the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell) says is correct, what action are the Government going to take in the matter?
§ Mr. StanleyVery careful arrangements are made for these ships to be valued, and I am perfectly prepared to trust the valuation of those who advise us.
§ Sir P. HarrisCan the right hon. Gentleman say on whose advice he acts in these purchases?
§ Mr. StanleyI have an advisory committee, and I have the Board of Trade surveyors.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat do they know-about values?
§ Following are the details: