§ 34. Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a return showing the number and gross tonnage of British merchant ships sold to foreign owners during the years 1933–38 inclusive, and also the nationalities of the purchasers of the vessels?
§ Mr. StanleyThe particulars which the hon. Member desires for the years 1933 to 1937 have already been published in the December issues for these years of the monthly return G.R. 128 prepared by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen. The issue containing the information for 1938 will be published in a few days. Additional information for the years 1933 to 1937 is contained in Table 742 12 of the Annual Statements of the Navigation and Shipping of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. TaylorHas the right hon. Gentleman any reason for thinking that these ships which have been sold cheaply to foreign countries and foreign owners are now competing very severely with the shipping of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. StanleySome have been sold for breaking up.