HC Deb 09 August 1920 vol 133 cc62-3W
Mr. CAIRNS

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether the ship "Flush" was lost when she left Malmo, in Sweden; if so, would he see that death certificates are issued to the relatives of deceased men; is he aware that these men signed on at Blyth, Northumberland: and could he get to know from the consul at Malmo, in Sweden, all or any particulars of this ship?

Sir R. HORNE

As stated in replies given to previous questions on this matter on 17th May and 14th and 24th June, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies, the s.s "Flush" left Malmo on 14th November last, and was lost with all hands on or about 23rd November. The crew were signed on at Blyth. I am not yet in a position to furnish any further information, but I am in correspondence with the British Consul at Malmo, and will at once communicate to the hon. Member the result of the inquiries we are making. As regards the issue of certificates of death to the relatives of the deceased men, it is not possible to issue the statutory certificates owing to legal difficulties arising out of the fact that the Newfoundland Ship building Company, which was the owner of the vessel, is in liquidation; but I will have an official statement given which, I hope, will meet the needs of the relatives.

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