§ 33. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Ship ping how many ships have changed hands between British owners since the outbreak of war, giving pre-war and present values; and on what basis Government charters are arranged?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Colonel Llewellin)From the outbreak of war up to 31st May, 1941, sanction was given to the transfer of 229 ocean-going and coasting registered British ships from one British owner to another under the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act. This figure does not include vessels of other descriptions, such as fishing vessels, tugs, barges, yachts, etc. As regards the second part of the Question, ships purchased after 8th May, 1940, to replace lost British ships to which the Government Tonnage Replacement Scheme applies, are dealt with in accordance with the terms of the Scheme, of which details will be found in Appendix 2 of the Memorandum on war-time Financial Arrangements between His Majesty's Government and British Ship owners (Cmd. 6218). As regards the last part of the Question, by hon. Friend will find information about the charterparty conditions applicable to requisitioned British ships in the same Memorandum.