HC Deb 21 March 1939 vol 345 cc1115-6
34. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the name of a British registered steamer which has been transferred to a foreign flag as the owners objected to the expenditure which would have been necessary to make various alterations required by the Board of Trade, including alterations to the crews' quarters; and the flag under which she is now sailing?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir. I am not in a position to identify a case of this kind, as an owner is under no obligation to give reasons for transferring his ship to another flag.

Mr. Smith

Is it not common knowledge that owners on the British register are transferring their ships to foreign registers—for instance, Panama—by which means they are able to avoid the implications of the payment for social services for their crews, conditions with regard to wages, and also the matter raised in this question?

Mr. Stanley

That is not the question which the hon. Member asked me. He asked for the name of a particular ship which did a particular thing. That I am unable to identify.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the fact-finding committee reported that the transfer of British vessels to foreign owners has had a serious effect on British shipping?

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