HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc440-1
5. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Shipping whether the fullest consideration was given when the terms of payment for requisitioning were fixed, to the necessity of British shipping being in a strong financial position on the termination of hostilities, to enable them successfully to compete with foreign shipping?

The Minister of Shipping (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements on this subject which were made by my predecessor and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary during the course of the Debate on Shipping on 18th March last.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the requisitioning rate will give ship-owners a sufficient amount to enable them to build up their reserve for replacement, and at the same time give them a reasonable return on their capital?

Mr. Hudson

I think that is a point which must be present in all our minds when we are negotiating these details.

7. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he can now make a statement on the negotiations in connection with the rates for hire of requisitioned vessels?

Mr. Hudson

Proposals resulting from negotiations with the representative bodies were recently put before their constituent members and are now under their consideration.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not the case that an agreement has been reached with the liner companies; and cannot hon. Members be informed of the terms of that agreement?

Mr. Hudson

Briefly the position is that the cargo liner companies have expressed their agreement in principle but there are subsidiary details, which are still being negotiated.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is highly undesirable to have discontent in the shipping industry over this matter and that it is highly desirable to have a speedy termination of these negotiations?

Mr. Hudson

Yes, Sir, I am doing and will do everything in my power to see that they are concluded as quickly as possible.

9. Mr. Denville

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he can now give an answer to the letter from the hon. Member for Newcastle, Central, dated 12th February, 1940, on the subject of compensation to traders on the requisitioning of ships?

Mr. Hudson

As I have informed my hon. Friend, the issues which he raised affect other Departments besides the Ministry of Shipping. They are at present under active consideration.

Mr. Denville

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that this is a very urgent matter, to save certain ship-owners from going bankrupt?

Mr. Kirkwood

Is compensation to traders for the requisitioning of ships to be comparable with the compensation which is given to the working class of this country whose sons have been commandeered for the Army?

Mr. Hudson

The question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Central Newcastle (Mr. Denville) had reference to increased charges for certain goods caused by vessels being diverted from one port to another.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is it the case that more value is being attached to ships than to human lives?

Mr. Hudson

That is not so.