HC Deb 07 July 1919 vol 117 cc1391-2
62. Mr. STURROCK

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the steamer "Clan Shaw" was struck by a mine at the entrance to the River Tay in January, I917, and, as a, result, foundered in the fairway of that river, the wreck causing an obstruction to traffic entering and leaving the port of Dundee; whether different Government Departments which have been approached in the matter of liability for the removal of the wreck have repudiated any obligation in this respect; and whether he can state any reason whatsoever why a local corporation like the Dundee Harbour Trust should be financially burdened by having to undertake the cost of removing the wreck of a steamer which foundered as a direct consequence of an act of war?

Sir A. GEDDES

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the facts connected with the foundering of this vessel within the control of the Dundee Harbour Trustees. The latter, as the harbour authority, are the only body empowered by Statute—namely, Section 530 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894— to deal with vessels which have been sunk, stranded, or abandoned in their harbour or in an approach thereto, and they are entitled to reimburse themselves for the expenses out of the proceeds, if any, of the sale of the wreck. The Act does not take into account the cause of such a casualty which usually arises, as in this case, from circumstances beyond the control of the harbour authority. While the responsibility for keeping their undertaking safe for navigation rests with the harbour trustees, His Majesty's Government, in response to an appeal by the trustees, have offered to defray, ex gratia, one-third of the cost of removing the wreck.

Mr. STURROCK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has taken the different. Government Departments over two years to come to a decision to offer one-third of the cost of removing this wreck; is it not a fact that, owing to the long delay involved, no salvage is obtainable from the wreck; and, in these circumstances, does he recognise the great hardship upon the Dundee Harbour Board of having to pay two-thirds of the cost?

Sir A. GEDDES

I examined this case personally a very short time ago, and, with all the facts before me, I came to the conclusion that the scheme we approved was, in all the circumstances, the fairest we could devise.

Mr. STURROCK

Can the right hon. Gentleman not see his way to grant a bigger increase to the Dundee Harbour Board; and, before coming to a final decision, will he consult the Secretary of State for War?

Sir A. GEDDES

I am afraid there is nothing I can add to what I have said except that we will certainly keep an eye on the case and be prepared to reconsider it.