§ 26. Sir B. PETOasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can furnish information as to the members of the Piracy Committee, which, under the Governor of Hong Kong, is studying the question of piratical outrages on British ships in Chinese waters; and whether the officers of British ships trading in these waters are adequately represented on this Committee?
§ Mr. AMMONThe Anti-Piracy Committee, the nature of whose functions was explained in the answer to the hon. Member on the 26th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 398), consists of the Commodore, Hong Kong, who acts as chairman, three naval officers (including the Anti-Piracy Officer), one Royal Marine officer, one Army officer and a naval secretary. Each shipping firm concerned has appointed a representative to deal direct with the Anti-Piracy Officer, so that a constant liaison is maintained between the Committee and the companies.
§ Sir B. PETODo I understand that there are no representatives of the merchant marine on this Committee, but only that they are allowed to send representatives in the sense of offering advice or evidence?
§ Mr. AMMONThe hon. Baronet has missed a part of my reply. I said:
Each shipping firm concerned has appointed a representative to deal direct with the Anti-Piracy Officer, so that a constant liaison is maintained between the Committee and the companies.