22. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade the financial terms which are applied to vessels of the Mercantile Marine requisitioned by the Government?
§ The Minister of Shipping (Sir John Gilmour)I have been asked to reply. Rates of hire appropriate to the conditions of service will be paid in respect of mercantile vessels which have been requisitioned. It is hoped that these and all other financial matters connected with the requisitioning of ships will be settled by agreement with the owners, but if agreement is not reached, compensation will be payable under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.
Mr. AdamsWill the Minister say that the rates to be paid will be similar to those quoted for requisitioned tonnage on the open market at the Baltic Exchange?
§ Sir J. GilmourAs the Act lays down, compensation will be paid, and it is hoped that this will be done by agreement. If anything should arise where agreement is not found possible, there is a tribunal to which appeal can be made.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any rates have already been fixed and, if so, when an agreement is reached will it be retrospective?
§ Sir J. GilmourIn the meantime I understand advances have been made to shipowners without prejudice to the rate ultimately to be settled.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill the Minister see to it that no individuals make huge fortunes out of shipping as they did in the last war?
§ Mr. G, GriffithsDid the Minister say "Yes." I did not hear what he said. On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, may we know what was the answer of the Minister for Shipping. He sat down, and I did not hear him?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe supplementary question had nothing to do with the question on the Order Paper.