§ 108. Sir R. COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade if neutral vessels fitted with wireless installations and carrying operators trained and provided by Belgian or German companies enter British ports during the War; and, if so, can he give an assurance that precautions are taken to prevent such operators from securing valuable information and conveying it to the enemy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANeutral vessels fitted with wireless installations and carrying operators trained and provided by the Belgian company do enter British ports. Nothing is known of operators in neutral ships who are trained and provided by German companies. The Regulations issued by the Admiralty in the "London Gazette" on 4th August, 1914, are rigidly enforced, and are believed to be efficient for their purpose.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that German traders and German operators are on board ships in the Chilian and other trades?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAEvery neutral vessel is searched when they come into our ports, and I am advised that so far we have not come across a case of the kind mentioned.
§ Mr. HOUSTONI will give you evidence.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI shall be much obliged.