Sir A. Salterasked the Minister of Shipping whether he has now decided what is the appropriate principle to adopt in his arrangements with shipowners as to the remuneration to be paid for British ships requisitioned for Government service?
§ Sir J. GilmourI am unable at present to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 31st October.
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Sir A. Salterasked the Minister of Shipping whether he is supplying British tonnage under requisition, and at rates equivalent to those paid in respect of tonnage requisitioned for military and naval supplies, for the conveyance of food and raw materials purchased by the Ministries of Food and of Supply?
§ Sir J. GilmourApart from a few voyages made under special circumstances, food and raw materials purchased by the Ministries named are being conveyed in ships chartered by them at rates of freight which, in the case of British ships are controlled by means of the licensing system. Rates for requisitioned vessels generally have not yet been fixed.
§ Sir M. Sueterasked the Minister of Shipping whether he can give the names of his nautical assistants who advise on the suitability of requisitioned ships for the service required?
§ Sir J. GilmourWith very few exceptions ships have been requisitioned only for the Defence Services. In selecting ships for these services, the Ministry uses its own technical staff and the technical staffs of the Department on whose behalf the ship is being requisitioned, as well as those of the owners of the ships, are also consulted wherever necessary.