HC Deb 22 May 1939 vol 347 c2058

4 "That a sum, not exceeding £2,100,000, be granted to His Majesty to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1940, for the purchase and upkeep of merchant ships as a reserve of shipping against a national emergency, and incidental expenses connected therewith."