§ 1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have given orders for the removal of the historic frigate "Foudroyant," in use for 20 years as a boys' training ship and still used for this purpose, and the historic clipper the "Cutty Sark," in spite of the offer of the respective owners to pay harbour dues; whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent this action; and, if it is persisted in, whether his Department has berths at its disposal where these two vessels could be preserved?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I am informed that the Falmouth Harbour Committee have given notice to the owners of the "Foudroyant" and "Cutty Sark" that their vessels cannot occupy their present berths, owing to the demands for further accommodation. The owners are being asked to meet the Harbour Committee to see if other berths within the harbour can be found where these vessels can be moored with head and stern moorings. The Board of Trade have no power to interfere, and have no berths at their disposal.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman interesting himself in the matter, in view of the fact that the "Foudroyant" trains boys for the sea and the "Cutty Sark" is an old relic of the heyday of the sailing ship in commerce carrying?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, and that is why I have already been in communication, though I have no power to intervene with the Harbour Commissioners, to ascertain if there is to be a meeting between the harbour authorities and the owners.