§ 8. Mr. Wakefieldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he is aware that profiteering is taking place in the sale of second-hand engines for ships, due to the great demand; that ships are being delayed in port on this account; and is he satisfied that he has adequate powers, under the Defence Regulations, to requisition engines at the prewar market price, with a view to stopping the profiteering that is taking place, and the consequent avoidance of delay in refitting ships?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Colonel Llewellin)I am glad that my hon. Friend has drawn my attention to this matter. There was one—and, so far as I know, only one— case in which a ship may have been held up because of discussion as to whether the power of requisitioning was applicable. I am satisfied that requisitioning is applicable in any case to prevent delay, and in future. if the need arises, the power to requisition will be used.