HC Deb 16 December 1935 vol 307 cc1406-7
74. Mr. ARTHUR GREENWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the findings by the Wreck Commissioner in the case of the tanker "La Crescenta," he proposes to take any further action against the owners of that vessel?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Board of Trade has been served with notice of appeal to the High Court of Justice by the owners of the "La Crescenta" and other persons affected by the findings of the Wreck Commissioner. The whole matter, therefore, is sub judice.

Mr. GREENWOOD

Will not the right hon. Gentleman deal with this as a special question, having regard to the strictures of Lord Merrivale, the Wreck Commissioner?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

While the matter is sub judice I must be very correct.

Mr. GREENWOOD

Will not the right hon. Gentleman go a little further? If there is an appeal, I agree that he can- not take immediate action, but if the Wreck Commissioner is upheld in his decision, will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking further action against the owners of "La Crescents"?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

That is a hypothetical question. The right hon. Gentleman may rest assured that the Board will not lose sight of the matter.

Mr. EDE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the appeal is likely to be heard?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I cannot say that yet.

Mr. THORNE

Who will defend the Commissioner in the appeal?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The hon. Gentleman had better put any question on that subject on the Paper.