HC Deb 26 March 1923 vol 162 cc16-7
24. Mr. DARBISHIRE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the steamship "Badenia," of the London and Cologne Steamship Company, Limited, of London, which sailed from Cologne on the 2nd instant, with all documents in order and carrying a cargo of about. 750 tons of goods destined to the United Kingdom, was stopped by the Franco-Belgian authorities at Ruhrort, Duisburg, and ordered back to Cologne; that the steamship company have made every endeavour to get this boat and the goods she was carrying released; that a cable from the Cologne agents, received on 12th March, stated that there was no hope of getting the boat or the goods away and that the cargo had been discharged; and, if so, will he take steps immediately to secure the release of this steamship and the goods, and at the same time warn the Franco-Belgian authorities not to interfere in this unwarrantable manner with ships carrying British-owned goods?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

His Majesty's High Commissioner reported on 15th March that a representative of the London and Cologne Steamship Company has obtained from the Customs authorities at Ruhrort a written statement that the "Badenia" would be allowed to pass with her original cargo. I may add that I have this morning ascertained that the vessel is now unloading in the Thames.

Mr. SHINWELL

Has the hon. Gentleman made inquiries with regard to the delay in releasing this vessel?

Mr. McNEILL

We made many inquiries before we got the release.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is it not time the Government told the Franco-Belgian authorities to stop meddling with British affairs?

Mr. DARBISHIRE

Can we have an assurance that this will be the last instance of interference with our trade?

Mr. McNEILL

I am afraid I could not give any such absolute assurance, but I can state that everything possible is being done to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Who is going to reimburse the traders concerned for the cost of discharging and reloading this cargo?