§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what proposals have recently been made to him by the U.S.A. with regard to the transfer of merchant shipping to this country; if he will state the terms on which the transfer was proposed; and if it has been accepted.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe United States Government have made no proposals for the permanent transfer of merchant ships to this country. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware, however, that a large number of United States ships have been transferred under Lend-Lease arrangements for temporary war-time duty under the British flag. The title to these ships remains vested in the United States Government.