HC Deb 06 May 1937 vol 323 cc1245-6
72. Mr. Donner

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the intricate questions of policy and international law arising from the insistence of certain ships flying the British flag to pay calls at and trade with the Basque ports, he will examine the identity and ownership of the merchant ships principally involved and subsequently lay this information before Parliament?

Dr. Burgin

Particulars as to the ownership of merchant ships are to be found in the official Register Book at the port of registry of the ship, which is open to inspection by any member of the public, and also in Lloyd's Register of Shipping, to which Supplements are issued fortnightly. In the circumstances, a Return such as that suggested by my hon. Friend would not seem to serve any useful purpose.