§ Sir R. Rankinasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether experience has shown that the scheme for the purchase by British shipowners of ships built on Government account requires any substantial amendments to render it more effective.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerExperience has shown that some modification in the details of this scheme are now desirable. Apart from the removal of certain restrictions depending upon the tonnage of the lost vessel, the following extensions of the scheme will apply so far as vessels not yet allocated are concerned:
- 1. The original scheme provided that an owner who has lost three or more vessels will not be given an opportunity of replacing more than two-thirds of the total number of vessels lost until other owners have had their turn. This will no longer apply to deep-sea tramps.
- 2. In the case of deep-sea tramps, obsolescence as well as loss will be regarded as entitling an owner to an option to take a Ministry owned ship provided that when the new ship is transferred to his ownership the obsolescent vessel is scrapped or put to a use of which the Minister approves. Sale to a foreign buyer will not be permitted.
- 3. In the case of coasting tankers, any existing British owner who so wishes may ask for an allocation, preference being given to owners who have lost tonnage during the war.
- 4. The present scheme does not allow resale within three years except with the Minister's sanction. It is proposed to permit sale to a British buyer at any time after the general requisitioning of British tonnage comes to an end subject only to the provision of the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act, 1939, so long as that Act continues in operation.