§ Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has any further statement to make about his policy under the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act, 1939.
§ Mr. WatkinsonOn 30th July last I informed the House that I proposed to give a general sanction under the Act which would permit, with certain exceptions, the free transfer or mortgage of ships to all countries abroad. The exceptions related to the sale of former naval craft to any foreign country and also to sales to countries of the Sino-Sovietbloc. The general sanction which was issued on 8th September did not deal with 22W sales of ships to the Sino-Soviet bloc, and I have today issued a further general sanction which permits the transfer to the Sino-Soviet bloc of ships with the exception of certain special categories.