§ Sir R. Taskerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inquire whether the motor vessel "Cromarty Firth," which was built under the scrap-and-build scheme, has complied, or is complying, with the condition incorporated in the agreement with the owners, which required that the vessel may not be mainly employed between ports within the United Kingdom, Eire, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands; and whether particulars are available of the employment for the past six months of all vessels under 750 tons gross built with Government assistance?
1570W
§ Mr. Cross:The record of voyages of vessels built under the scheme and likely to engage in the coasting trade is examined at the end of each half year, and up to December last the motor vessel "Cromarty Firth" had complied with the condition referred to. The next examination would in the ordinary course take place at the end of June, but I have made special inquiries which indicate that in the first four months of the current year there has been a preponderance of employment in the coasting trade. I am, therefore, taking the matter up with the owners with a view to ensuring that the condition in the agreement is not avoided.
As regards the second part of the question, I am obtaining the desired information and will send it to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.