HC Deb 05 May 1936 vol 311 c1503
5. Mr. LYONS

asked the President of the Board of Trade which companies participated in the recent North Atlantic Shipping Conference; what decision was reached, so far as affects the public, on the classification of cabin ships; how many ships in regular North Atlantic service from and to this country are of the non-cabin class; and whether, if size has now no relation to this classification, it is proposed to encourage the building of smaller tonnage vessels more approximating to those previously known as cabin ships?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I understand that all the British and foreign North Atlantic passenger lines participated in the Conference to which my hon. and learned Friend refers, and, that as a result of the decisions reached, the upper grade of accommodation of all passenger ships plying between North American ports and this country will be described as "cabin class." The matter referred to in the last part of the question is one for the consideration of the various lines in the North Atlantic Conference.

Mr. LYONS

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said, do I understand that all the vessels on this service will in future be classed as cabin ships, irrespective of their tonnage?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I could not say without notice. If my hon. and learned Friend wishes for any extension of the information I have given with regard to the Conference, and will put a further question on the Paper, I shall be very glad to do my best to supply it.