§ 69. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the case of a number of vessels on the British register of shipping which have been placed on the register improperly or irregularly and are engaged in liquor smuggling on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States of America; and whether he is prepared to take steps to have their names removed from the register?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)As indicated by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in his statement on this subject on 27th July, steps are being taken to secure that infractions of the law are dealt with.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYThat is not an answer to my question. Will these vessels be removed from the British Register of Shipping?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that already the officials of the United States Government and His Majesty's Government have been in conference on this matter. They have submitted administrative suggestions, which are under consideration. I think he may take it that in regard to this point everything that can be done will be done.
§ Colonel DAYWhat is, approximately, the number of vessels referred to?