§ 51. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a British merchant ship, s.s. "King Alexander," recently arrived at Constantinople from the Piraeus flying the Red Ensign and entirely manned, with the exception of a British wireless operator, by Greeks, none of whom were either naturalised British subjects or held a British Board of Trade certificate; and that, in spite of protests from persons entitled to protest, this ship was allowed to clear on her outward voyage by orders from the Foreign Office; whether he will state who gave those orders and why; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter, seeing that the manning of this ship as above described and the order for its clearance were not in accordance with the law?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards parts two and three, the vessel was not detained, or prevented from sailing, by the British authorities at Constantinople, as there is no legal restriction, so far as I am aware, with regard to the officering and manning of British ships trading between Constantinople and other foreign ports.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERHas my hon. Friend read the provisions of the Aliens Act as to the employment of British subjects; and, if so, why were they disregarded in this case?
Mr. HARMSWORTHIt is rather a Home Office than a Foreign Office matter, and I have also had the advantage of consultation with the Board of Trade.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWere orders from the Foreign Office sent to enable this ship to clear on her outward voyage?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI am sorry that the answer did not refer to that. Perhaps the hon. and learned Member will put down that question.