HC Deb 09 May 1939 vol 347 cc272-3
5. Colonel Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of ships and the tonnage which have been transferred from the British register to Germany and vice versa for the years 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, and 1939?

Mr. Stanley

As the reply consists of tabular statements, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Colonel Burton

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the balance is in favour of Germany or Great Britain?

Mr. Stanley

I have not actually made up the figures, but I should think that it is fairly equal on both sides.

Following are the statements:

I. Number and tonnage of ships registered in the United Kingdom reported to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen as having their registers closed on sale to Germany:

Year. No. of Ships. Aggregate gross tonnage.
1935 7 47,514
1936 6 25,077
1937 26 64,565
1938 6 16,852
1939 (to the end of April) 6 23,710

II. Number and tonnage of ships reported to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen as having been purchased from Germany and registered in the United Kingdom:

Year. No. of Ships. Aggregate gross tonnage.
1935 8 17,764
1936 37 86,058
1937 7 19,529
1938 8 31,595
1939 (to the end of April) Nil. —