HC Deb 12 March 1935 vol 299 cc204-5

At end of Questions—

Mr. GREENWOOD

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely: the loss with all hands of the steamships 'La Crescenta' and 'Blairgowrie' through unseaworthiness, or under-manning, or both.

Mr. SPEAKER

As I understand, this question is sub judice at the present moment, and an inquiry, if not already started, is about to be held. It is not therefore a matter that can be raised under Standing Order No. 8.

Mr. GREENWOOD

So far as I understand, no inquiry has been promised with regard to the "La Crescenta" at all.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No question has been put to me on the Paper with regard to the "La Crescenta." If such a question had been put, the answer would have been that an inquiry would certainly be instituted, and, if necessary, as a result of that inquiry, we might be called upon to make a formal investigation.

Mr. GREENWOOD

This is a matter of urgent and definite public importance. We have had losses of ships during the past winter. This inquiry may dawdle on, and ships may leave port to-day and go down with all hands. We have had no undertaking from the right hon. Gentleman either that he is prepared to establish an efficient standard of manning or that he is prepared to institute a system of supervision to prevent unseaworthy ships from going to sea.

Mr. SPEAKER

I am afraid that, notwithstanding all those points, the subject would not be one which could be raised under Standing Order No. 8 and on which I could allow the Adjournment to be moved.

Dr. ADDISON

In view of the fact that these two ships have been sunk in these circumstances, and in view of the fact that this House has voted £2,000,000 as a subsidy for these ships, is it not a matter of urgent importance that the House should be informed more fully as to the ships that are lost in these undesirable circumstances?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is no doubt a matter of great importance, but it is not a matter of such a nature that it would come under Standing Order No. 8.