§ 42. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is 1634 the present policy in force with regard to the protection against piracy of British vessels trading on the China coast; and whether any change in this policy will take place in consequence of the case recently decided in the courts, at the instance of the China Steam Navigation Company, as to the liability of His Majesty's Government in this connection?
The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)I recently stated, in reply to the hon. Member for Torquay (Mr. C. Williams) the policy in force [OFFICIAL REPORT, 3rd February, col. 127, Vol. 261]. No change in this policy is involved by the recent decision in the courts. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Navy's responsibilities do not extend to the protection of vessels against outbreaks of internal piracy, that is mutiny and looting by the passengers or crews. Nevertheless, in addition to taking all practicable steps to protect British ships from attack by piratical vessels the authorities have organised a force of armed police guards whose services are available to ship owners on payment.