§ Mr. Churchillasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the cost entailed in taking up the "Aquitania" during the recent mobilisation; and whether consideration has been given to the desirability of keeping the "Berengaria" in reserve for such contingencies during the next few years;
(2) whether in view of the marked decline since the war in merchant shipping tonnage in proportion to the population of Great Britain, he has satisfied himself that it is a provident measure to allow the fast 50,000 ton vessel "Berengaria" to be scrapped during the present years of tension?
§ Mr. StanleyThe approximate cost of taking up the "Aquitania" during the recent emergency was £70,000. The desirability of keeping the "Berengaria" has been carefully considered and I am satisfied that such a step cannot be justified.