HC Deb 14 September 1956 vol 558 c10W
Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many ships of the British merchant fleet are at present under requisition by his Department ; and of what total tonnage.

Mr. Watkinson

The number of requisitioned ships necessarily fluctuates with variations in requirements, and any statement of the total tonnage would be misleading.

Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is the rate of compensation payment being made for merchant ships requisitioned by his Department; and what is the total amount of such payments made or due to date.

Mr. Watkinson

The terms and conditions of compensation for requisitioned ships are different for different classes of ships and in some cases are still under consideration. Advances are being made to owners pending final settlement.