§ 71. Mr. Thorneasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, when a British ship is sold, he calls for a statement as to the new price of the ship?
Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir. Section 24 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, requires that a bill of sale stating, amongst other particulars, the sum in consideration of which the ship is transferred must be produced to the Registrar of Shipping at the port at which the ship is registered.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsHas there been any steep increase in the price of ships which have changed hands?
Major Lloyd GeorgeSo far as we know at present, the information at our disposal is that there have been increases but not of an extraordinary kind.
§ Mr. EdwardsWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman call doubling the price a steep increase?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI said that that was all the information at our disposal. If the hon. Gentleman has any other information I shall be very glad to have it.