33. Captain Arthur Evansasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the steamship "Mydol," which is a Greek vessel registered in Great Britain for its own purposes and which then reverted to Greek registration to save the wages of the officers; and whether he will take steps to stop bogus registration of this kind?
Mr. StanleyThe steamship "Mydol" was granted a provisional certificate of British registry on 22nd May, 1937. This certificate automatically expired on 22nd November last, when the ship ceased to be entitled to fly the British flag. I have no information as to the flag under which she intends to sail. As rgeards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement I made in reply to the hon. Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 28th October last.
Captain EvansIs my right hon. Friend aware that in this particular case it was necessary for the chief officer concerned to cable home from the Azores in the following terms: "British registration finished. Unable sign off. No money. 1766 Owner telegraphs 'Mydol' now Greek steamer, and appointing Greek carpenter. Watchman to supersede master. Consul refuses to take any action whatsoever." Will my right hon. Friend do what he can to prevent such exploitation of British seamen?
Mr. StanleyI will certainly look into this case and see what the result is. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the result of the action we took was to obtain what I thought the House wanted, namely, that ships of this kind should be transferred from the British register.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithDoes not the article under which both officers and men sign on demand repatriation to this country and wages until they arrive in this country?
Mr. StanleyThe hon. Member will realise that this is the first time I have heard the circumstances to which my hon. Friend referred, and I could not answer any questions on the matter until I have had an opportunity of finding out the facts.