HC Deb 12 May 1936 vol 312 c185
6. Mr. BENJAMIN SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Government have yet made replies to the questionnaire issued by the International Labour Office for the purposes of the International Maritime Conference, 1936; whether he will inform the House of the nature of those replies; and whether he took steps to consult the shipowners', officers', and seamen's organisations as to the nature of those replies?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

His Majesty's Government have not yet replied to the questionnaire, the points in which are still under consideration by the National Maritime Board. Officers of my Department are in touch with that body on these matters.

Mr. SMITH

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the whole of the elements that make up the Maritime Board are being consulted?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I said the points were still under consideration by the National Maritime Board, and, of course, all the organisations represented on that board will be aware of what is taking place.

Mr. SMITH

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House if and when he does receive the questionnaire?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper perhaps I can arrange to say when the announcement will be made.