§ 111. Mr. Parkinasked the Minister of Transport what was the cost to this country last year and what is the estimated cost this year of hiring American oil-tankers; what was the total tonnage of British tankers serviceable just before and just after the war; how many tankers have been acquired from the United States since the war and at what cost; whether it is proposed to purchase any more, and what is the present production of British tankers compared with before the war.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe answer is as follows:
- (a) The total freight paid for American oil tankers in 1946 was approximately 42 million dollars.
- (b) The estimated amount payable on this account in 1947 is 30 million dollars.
- (c) The total tonnage of tankers of 1,600 gross tons and over on United Kingdom and Colonial register at 3rd September, 1939, was 3.007 million gross tons. This included about 60,000 gross tons of unserviceable vessels.
- (d) At 31st October, 1945, the total tonnage was 2.616 million gross tons including approximately 100,000 gross tons of unserviceable vessels.
- (e) Eleven tankers were acquired from the United States in 1946 and 40 have been acquired in 1947, of which 37 have been delivered. The remaining three should be delivered before the end of the year. The total cost of these 51 ships is approximately 92 million dollars.
- (f) It is uncertain whether any more American tankers will be available for purchase by other than United States citizens.
- (g) Launchings of new tanker tonnage in United Kingdom yards for British owners were as follows:
Number '000 gross tons. 1935 … … 8 51 1936 … … 20 149 1937 … … 19 145 1938 … … 31 231 1939 … … 16 143 1946 … … 42 299 New tanker tonnage expected to be completed in 1947 for British owners is 19 ships totalling 140,000 gross tons. For 135W 1948 it is estimated that 17 ships totalling 200,000 gross tons will be completed for British owners.