London, Mar. 22.
Sir John Gilmour, Minister of Shipping, told the House of Commons yesterday that he did not think it would be advisable to sell the liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth to the United States.
He made the statement in reply to Mr. Oswald Lewis, Conservative member for the Colchester Division of Essex, who asked whether the Government would consider selling the vessels to America as they appeared to be unsuitable for war-time use and might provide foreign exchange for war purposes.
The Minister of Shipping answer: "I do not consider this would advisable."
It is learned that the giant Cunard liner Queen Mary has sailed from New York, following the departure of the Mauretania. Both ships are believed to be proceeding to Halifax to be armed for a voyage to Australia, where they are expected to take up service as troop transports. Reuter.
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