§ 49. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the questions which have been raised concerning the building of merchant ships in Shanghai, he will forthwith appoint a competent tribunal, consisting of at least one judge of His Majesty's High Court of Justice and several independent members, to investigate this matter and the action of the representative in China of Messrs. Vickers, Limited, in connection with the Kiangnan yard and the building of vessels for American interests?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government is not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the alleged scandal which underlies this question in connection with the loss of British shipping to this country, and that it requires not a departmental inquiry but an independent inquiry?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware from the hon. Member's question that he suggests there has been some slackness on the part of the Shipping Controller. That is the point of the question. I do not share the hon. Member's view, nor does the Government.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill the right hon. Gentleman read some correspondence which I should be pleased to submit to him?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have looked into the matter.
§ Mr. HOUSTONNot through me.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have looked into the matter sufficiently to satisfy myself, and I believe the Government, that there is absolutely no occasion for such an inquiry.
§ Mr. HOUSTONBut will the right hon. Gentleman promise to read the correspondence which I will put before him, and also promise to see a gentleman who is coming from Shanghai this month?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI will promise to look at the correspondence if it is not long. I will undertake nothing more.