HC Deb 04 December 1912 vol 44 cc2298-9
81. Mr. PETO

asked why any differentiation has been made in the cases of the ss "Indra," belonging to British merchants and shippers, which has been refused the registration and protection of the British flag, and the ss. "Tasso," which is a duly registered British ship, trading abroad, wholly manned by aliens, with the principal offices of her owners at Patras, Greece?

Mr. BUXTON

The qualification for owning British ships is laid down in Section 1 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894; and the reason for the difference between the two cases mentioned by the hon. Member is that in the case of the "Tasso" evi- dence of qualification was given, and in the ease of the "Indra" it could not be given.

Mr. PETO

Was the transference of the steamer "Tasso" to the British flag a ease of intelligent anticipation of coming events, namely, the war between Greece and Turkey?

Mr. BUXTON

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.