§ 45. Mr. KINGSLEY GRIFFITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the anxiety and risk caused to British shipowners by the fact that, in the event of a collision between British and Russian ships, the Russian vessel enjoys immunity against arrest in a British port by reason of state ownership; and whether any steps have been taken or are in contemplation with a view to securing the interests of British shipping in such circumstances?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHIs it not an intolerable position that the vessels of one particular country should enjoy privileges which are not enjoyed by the corresponding vessels of other countries and not enjoyed by British vessels in Russian ports?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANSo far as I know the question has not arisen.