HC Deb 14 February 1939 vol 343 cc1544-5
34. Sir Nairne Stewart Sandeman

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information as to the reasons why the French vessel "La Corse" is permitted to carry on a trade with Government Spain under the British flag; whether he can state the nature of her cargo, and the ports from which she sails?

Mr. Stanley

The statement in the first part of the question, as to the use of the British flag by this French vessel, is not confirmed by official information. I am not in a position to answer questions about the cargo and movements of foreign vessels, but I may point out that, in trade with Spain, this ship would be subject, under the Spanish Frontiers Observation Scheme, to the obligation of carrying observing officers of the Non-Intervention Board with powers of supervision over the cargo.

Sir N. Stewart Sandeman

Can we take it that she was not flying the British flag?

Mr. Stanley

Inquiries have been made, and I have no evidence of the truth of that allegation.