HC Deb 29 May 1936 vol 312 cc2382-3
16. Mr. GARRO JONES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any instructions have been issued for the arrest on the high seas of the trawler "Girl Pat."?

Lord STANLEY

No, Sir. The owners have made no request for assistance in arresting this ship.

18. Mr. GARRO JONES

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether any instructions have been issued to port officers in connection with the trawler "Girl Pat "; whether his officers have ascertained whether this vessel took aboard charts or Admiralty sailing directions for African waters when she left her home port on 1st April; whether any statements by her master have come to the notice of the Board since that date; and whether he can give any explanation of the movements of this vessel and their relation to merchant shipping law?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE, (Dr. Burgin)

The answer to the first three parts of the Question is in the negative. I can give no explanation of the movements of the vessel, nor, on the available information, can I say whether any offence has been committed against the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Mr. GARRO JONES

Have the owners communicated with the hon. Gentleman in regard to the strange movements of this vessel?

Dr. BURGIN

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.