§ 74. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer "Florence" is still sailing under the British flag, manned and officered entirely by Greeks, and was at Torre Annunziata, Spain, on the 12th instant; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent foreign vessels, manned and officered by foreigners, sailing under the British flag at a time when the foreign countries concerned are at war?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe steamship "Florence," to which the hon. Member refers, is still on the British register. I have no information as to the vessel being at Torre Annunziata. The conditions entitling a ship to British registry are laid down in the Merchant Shipping Acts, and I have no power to alter them without legislation.