§ 62. Mr. NORMAN CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under the existing law there is no provision against a bankrupt holding a pilotage certificate, and that in some cases bankrupts do in fact hold such certificates; and will he, having regard to the fact that third parties suffering loss or damage in collision with a ship under compulsory pilotage have no recourse against the shipowner, but only a limited remedy against the pilot, take steps to ensure that this limited remedy may be real?
Mr. BUXTONI understand that the law is as stated in the question, but I have no information as to whether there are bankrupt pilots actually pursuing their calling. If any amendments are proposed to meet any hardship under the existing law pending the alteration of the law as to the compulsory pilotage defence, I am, of course, prepared to consider them.
§ 63. Mr. CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British vessels under compulsory pilotage in foreign -waters are, if held to blame for loss or damage to another vessel, detained until payment is made for such loss or damage; and that foreign vessels under compulsory pilotage in British waters escape liability for loss or damage in similar circumstances; and will he take steps to place British and foreign shipowners and masters on an equal footing?
Mr. BUXTONBritish and foreign shipowners and masters are subject to the same treatment in British ports. I hope that an international agreement may shortly be arrived at under which all ships, whether in British or foreign ports, will be subject to the same liability for loss or damage. I have already explained to the hon. Member the reason why the anomaly of the existing law is not dealt with by the present Bill.