HC Deb 03 November 1937 vol 328 c943W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships have been transferred to a foreign flag during the last 12 months; and, of these, how many have been purchased by Greek owners and how many have been bought for scrap by firms of foreign nationality?

Mr. R. S. Hudson

During the 12 months ended 30th September last, 268 ships registered in the United Kingdom and 104 ships registered at British ports of registry abroad were transferred to foreign flags. Of these, 28 ships were transferred to the Greek flag. According to information obtained by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, 70 of the ships registered in the United Kingdom were sold for breaking-up purposes. No information is available as to the purposes for which the ships registered at British ports of registry abroad were sold.