HC Deb 01 February 1956 vol 548 c913
20. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many ocean-going vessels are owned by British companies and operate under another flag; and how many British ships have been transferred to another flag during the past five years.

Mr. Watkinson

A company which is qualified to own a British ship cannot lawfully own a ship trading under a foreign flag. During the last five years. 511 ships of 500 gross tons and over, formerly registered in the United Kingdom and Colonies, have been transferred to other registers.

Mr. Awbery

In view of the number of ships which are being transferred to maritime nations which will not conform to I.L.O. conventions, will the Minister take steps to prevent the future transfers or sales of these ships to such countries unless he has special reasons for agreeing to them?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not think that any of us likes these flags of convenience, but the difficulty is that there is a very narrow balance of advantage whether this restriction would help or hinder the shipping industry.

Mr. Grimond

Does not this question draw attention to a very serious matter in shipping? Is not it the case that, owing to high taxation in this country and the disregard of international conventions by other countries, shipowners who patriotically keep their ships under the British flag are working at a great disadvantage?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not think that that is the same question. The difficulty is that some owners, at least, have transferred their flags to other countries. I do not think that the question of high taxation is the only point which arises.