HC Deb 30 July 1940 vol 363 cc1163-5
Mr. Shinwell

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Shipping what steps he proposes to take to prevent neutral shipping resources being used by the enemy?

The Minister of Shipping (Mr. Cross)

The course of the war has made necessary new measures for the control of shipping. A large volume of shipping is already under British and Allied control, and this includes a substantial tonnage of neutral shipping on British time charter. While His Majesty's Government remain prepared to take further tonnage upon charter, they propose other measures to ensure that so far as possible shipping which is not controlled by the Allies will not find employment in trades which would in any way benefit the enemy.

Hitherto, the widespread and important shipping facilities under British control have been freely available to all vessels. Such facilities include the provision of bunkers, dry-docking and repairing, insurance, stores and many minor services. It is not reasonable that these facilities should continue to be freely available to shipowners who do not render commensurate service in return, or to those who fail to satisfy His Majesty's Government that they will refrain from carrying on trade which would be injurious to the Allied war effort. The possession of a ship's navicert for every voyage to which the navicert system applies will be essential. Neutral owners who have not already entered into satisfactory arrangements on these lines are invited to do so, and to supply His Majesty's Government with such particulars as may be necessary to establish the character of the trade on which their ships are engaged. Those who give acceptable undertakings will receive for each of their ships a pass called a ship's warrant which will assure them of continued access to the available commercial shipping facilities under British control. Ships which are unable to produce a ship's warrant will be subject to separate inquiries on each occasion on which they desire facilities under British control. This must at least mean delay and inconvenience. I hope that all shipowners affected will lose no time in signing the necessary undertaking themselves or instructing their London representatives to do so.

The scheme comes into operation forthwith. Shipowners or their representatives desirous of participating in the scheme can obtain information as to the undertaking required and as to the scheme generally by application to the Ministry of Shipping.

Mr. Shinwell

Bearing on the question of the use of neutral shipping resources, will the Minister give his attention to the subversive activities now being employed in the United States and other countries as regards neutral seamen? Is he aware that many neutral seamen are now being subverted from their allegiance to this country?

Mr. Cross

That matter has already had my attention for some weeks past, and I am doing everything possible to deal with the situation.

Mr. Lipson

What is to prevent one of these warrants passing into the hands of the enemy?

Mr. Cross

The warrants relate to each individual ship, and they are, therefore, of no use to the enemy.

Mr. Lipson

What would be the position if the enemy captured a ship and obtained its warrant?

Mr. Cross

We should probably catch the enemy out.