HC Deb 10 May 1923 vol 163 cc2599-600W
Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if out of the gross proceeds of £20,000,000 received in payment for ex-enemy vessels disposed of by the Shipping Liquidation Board only £10,000,000 approximately has been paid to the Treasury; and whether there is any prospect of the balance being paid into the Treasury at an early date?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY

Of the gross proceeds of £20,000,000 from the sale of reparation vessels, £750,000 is now being paid to the Treasury, making with £10,200,000 previously paid a total of £10,950,000. The accounts in respect of the sale of these vessels are being prepared in accordance with the principles laid down by the Reparation Commission and will shortly be completed. As soon as definite figures have been agreed as to the amount which, having been spent on repairs, expenses of delivery, etc., is recoverable from the sale proceeds, the balance collected will be paid over to the Treasury. As the hon. Member is aware, there remain £2,500,000 to be collected under the terms of sale.