HC Deb 08 July 1935 vol 304 cc19-20
33. Mr. LOGAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the complaint by the Council of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce against foreign sea captains treating with impunity the loading regulations with regard to grain cargoes; and is he prepared to bring in, at an early date, an amending Bill to increase the penalties?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

I have received representations from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, but my information does not support the contention that the regulations are being broken with impunity. As regards the introduction of amending legislation, I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 4th June.

Mr. LOGAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the comments of the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in regard to overloading and the question of the fines which are being paid for not taking any notice of the regulations?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I know that the matter was discussed, and I have said so in my answer.

Mr. LOGAN

But what steps is the right hon. Gentleman going to take, knowing that these things are being done? What is he going to do?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot say whether they are being broken, but, if there is any evidence to show that they are being broken, we will certainly take action.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these illegalities are being committed by the nationals of countries which have not yet ratified the Load Line Convention, and will he bring pressure to bear on these countries to ratify this Convention?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If those details can be brought to my attention, I will certainly look into them.