HC Deb 15 November 1938 vol 341 c697W
Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a report concerning the bombing of the British steamship "Stanburn," at Valencia, on 3rd November; whether the attack was deliberate; and what is the estimated amount of the damage done to the vessel?

Mr. Butler

According to the information in my Noble Friend's possession, the British steamship "Stanburn" was struck by bomb splinters in the course of an air raid on Valencia on 3rd November. There is at present no evidence to suggest that the attack was deliberate, and it is understood that the damage done was slight and that there were no casualties.

Mr. Kirby

asked the Prime Minister whether the committee of British ship-owners trading to Spain have, in cooperation with the National Union of Seamen, made any claim upon General Franco for losses incurred due to air attacks upon British men and vessels engaged in Spanish trade; what was the amount involved; and what reply has been given by General Franco?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Members for Bermondsey (Mr. Benjamin Smith) and North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts), to which I have nothing to add.