§ 24. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received the official translation of the Report of the Superior Court. S.E.N.A., in Greece inquiring into the loss of the "Lakonia"; and whether he will make a statement upon its findings.
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir, I have received the official translation of this Report. It upheld the findings of the lower court as regards the origin of the fire and responsibility for the subsequent events and it increased the severity of the findings as regards negligence of certain members of the crew of the "Lakonia".
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that since a considerable number of British passengers were involved, this is a matter of lively concern in this country, and can he explain whether the Government have made any representations as to the liability of the owners? I appreciate that the court 1289 increased the liability of the crew to the owners, but what about the owners who allowed this decrepit hulk ever to go to sea?
§ Mr. MasonI cannot clearly and honestly answer the question, but I have taken note of what the hon. Gentleman has said, and I shall write to him in due course.
§ Mr. WebsterIs it not the truth that if an international convention is signed as a result of a disaster, it usually applies to new vessels, and not to existing ones? Can something be done to put this right?
§ Mr. MasonIf the hon. Gentleman heard my original reply correctly, he will have noticed that I purposely stressed "existing vessels", and said that new vessels were also being urgently considered.