HC Deb 31 January 1929 vol 224 c1164W
Mr. DENNISON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of reparation ships and classes of ships received by Great Britain under the provisions of the Versailles Treaty; whether the ships have been sold to British citizens; and, if they have, what is the average price per ton received by the Exchequer?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The total tonnage of the reparation ships of all classes delivered to Great. Britain was 2,047,122. Four vessels, aggregating 21,873 gross tons, were lost prior to being sold and the great majority of the remaining vessels were disposed of to British buyers. The total amount realised by the sale of the vessels was £20.993,335, representing an average price of £10.3 per gross ton over the whole transaction, and this amount, less expenses, has been paid over to the Exchequer, except certain instalments of purchase money which have not yet become due.

The following table shows the classes:—