HC Deb 11 December 1928 vol 223 cc1879-80
3. Lord APSLEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the crew of the liner "Vestris" were British subjects and how many were aliens?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am informed by the owners that the steamship "Vestris" carried a crew of 197, of whom 179 were British subjects.

6. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to state when the inquiry into the loss of the steamship "Vestris" will be held; where it will be held; and what will be the constitution of the Court?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Abingdon (Major Glyn) of which I am sending him a copy.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Did that reply, which I am sorry I missed, contain the composition of the Court?

Sir P. CLINLIFFE-LISTER

No. It contained the nature of the Court, that it would be held by a Wreck Commissioner and Assessors, but not the names.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will the Assessors be professional seamen?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Of course, in a wreck inquiry all the Assessors are men of the very highest competence.

Mr. SHINWELL

Will arrangements be made for representations from the seamen's organisation?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I should like notice of that question.

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