§ Mr. GALBRAITHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller why Mr. Harry Lyons, of St. Mary Axe, ropemaker, who until quite recently was wholly unconnected with the shipping industry, is able to obtain the offer of option on ships direct from the Ministry, whereas shipowners who had lost ships owing to enemy action during the War are unable to get into negotiation with the Ministry for the acquisition of ships; and will he in these circumstances cause a very stringent and careful inquiry to be made into the whole matter?
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§ Colonel L. WILSONNo option on ships is ever given by the Ministry of Shipping. A recent transaction with which Mr. Lyons claims to be connected is likely to be the subject of legal proceedings against the Ministry, and in these circumstances it is not desirable to give details.
§ Mr. GALBRAITHasked the Parliamentary-Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether a well? known shipping company in the City of London connected with the oil industry made offers to buy oil-tankers from the Ministry of Shipping but were unable to acquire by direct negotiation; and whether firm was compelled to negotiate throught a third party to enable them to obtain tankers?
§ Colonel WILSONIf the hon. Member will furnish me, with particulars of the case he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.
§ Mr. GALBRAITHasked the Parliamentary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction amongst various well-known and old established shipowners and ship-brokers in the City of London owing to the fact that the Ministry are unwilling to enter into direct negotiations with them for the sale of surplus shipping, including standard ships; and will he reconsider this decision
§ Colonel WILSONThere is no foundation for the suggestion that the Ministry of Shipping are unwilling to enter into direct negotiations with any established firm of Shipowners and ship-brokers for the sale of surplus shipping, and 1 shall be happy to investigate any case in which the contra] y is alleged.