HC Deb 21 March 1939 vol 345 cc1129-30W
Mr. Windsor

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that wreck-raising craft, owned by a German salvage firm, are now at Hull for the purpose of raising the trawlers "Lady Jeanette" and "St. Delphine," which sunk in the River Humber recently; and whether he can state why a Hamburgfirm, supplying superlighters, a steam tug, and lifting apparatus, has been called upon to carry out salvage operations in home waters, to the exclusion of British firms?

Mr. Stanley

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, arrangements for salvage are a matter for the interests concerned. I am informed that, in the case of the vessels mentioned, British salvors were invited to tender before the contract was awarded.