§ Major GLYNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller on what grounds the Government are refusing to release tugs and other steamers of under 300 tons register, whose sale to new owners has been approved and terms concluded, in order that these new owners may undertake certain contracts; and whether the Government are prepared to compensate such owners, who find themselves unable to carry out their contract on account of the action of the Government?
Colonel WILSONThe sale of a vessel by one British owner to another does not remove her from the jurisdiction of the Shipping Controller. The new owner takes over all the liabilities of the transferor, and no guarantee is given that she is freed from requisition. Thus a newly purchased tug or other craft is in the same position as regards release as any other on service, that is to say, she will be released at the earliest possible date consistent with the requirements of the public service. The question of compensation therefore does not arise.