§ 136. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, although scrap iron and steel cannot be exported, continental companies are purchasing 237W obsolete British ships from this country, breaking them up and exporting it to Great Britain; and if he will take steps to prevent these vessels from being taken abroad for breaking-up purposes, thus depriving our own workmen of employment and our blast furnaces of raw material.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussSince September, 1945, only six ships totalling 37,000 gross registered tons have been so sold. The prohibition suggested by my hon. Friend would not, on balance, be to our advantage.