§ Mr. HANNONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the recent act of piracy committed upon the British steamer "Helikon" in Chinese waters; whether this ship was protected by guards; and if, in view of this and similar recent incidents, His Majesty's Government will reconsider its decision that the cost of protection against piracy must be borne by the shipping industry?
§ Mr. AMMONMy attention has been called to the recent act of piracy on board the Chinese-owned steamship "Helikon" when a gang of Chinese who had been embarked as passengers seized the ship. This ship was not protected by grilles and carried no guards, although Indian guards are provided by the Hong Kong police if a ship applies for them, neither was the ship included in the anti-piracy special system of inter-communication. No resistance was offered, no casualties occurred on board and no damage was done to the ship. I do not consider that this incident provides any grounds for His Majesty's Government reconsidering its decision in respect of the protection of shipping against this form of piracy.