§ 19. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Italian Government forbids its nationals to sail in British ships where any Italian shipping line is available and that many British officials, whose fares are paid by the British and Indian Governments, are sailing to and from India in Italian ships; and whether, in view of the depressed state of British shipping, steps will be taken to remove this handicap?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have seen a press report of an incident of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers, and understand that His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome has been asked to furnish a report as to the alleged action of the Italian Government in this matter. As to the last part of my hon. Friend's question I would refer him to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Paddington North (Mr. Bracken) on 12th December, 1932.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAssuming the statement in the question to be correct, will the right hon. Gentleman confer with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to representations being made to the Italian Government for some reciprocity in regard to this matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREThat is a question which ought to be addressed either to the President of the Board of Trade or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.