§ Sir W. SEAGERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he is aware that many British owners are desirous of selling some of their older steamers to foreigners; and will he consider the 1920W removal of any restrictions that may exist to prevent this and so enable owners to build new steamers, and thus create employment in the shipbuilding yards of the United Kingdom?
Colonel WILSONI am aware that some shipowners desire to sell ships to foreign flags. Under the British Ships (Transfer Restriction) Acts, which remain in force for three years after the end of the War, no ship can be transferred to a foreign flag without permission. Each application for permission to transfer is and will be carefully considered on its merits.