HC Deb 21 March 1928 vol 215 cc351-2
2. Sir ROBERT THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the need of international agreement upon the question of ships' load-lines, he will bring it before the Assembly of the League of Nations?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The policy of promoting international uniformity in the question of load-lines will be pursued steadily by His Majesty's Government, but the subject. is not one which in the ordinary course would be brought before the League of Nations.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the policy of His Majesty's Government on this question to get other Powers to conform to our load-line: in other words, is our policy to get the load-line lowered? Will the policy of the Government be to stiffen up and increase the safeguards for ships by lowering the load-line, in view of the fact that other nations have a higher load-line than we have?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I should be obliged to the hon, and gallant Member if he would put that question to the President of the Board of Trade.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the Foriegn Secretary not aware that what we want is similar treatment for all nations?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

We often want things that we do not get.