§ MR. MUNTZ, seeing the President of the Board of Trade, begged to know what power the Government possessed of interference with steamboats on rivers and at sea; and if that was not thought sufficient, whether it was intended to apply to Parliament for additional powers?
§ MR. LABOUCHEREreplied, that the Board of Trade possessed, with regard to steamboats carrying passengers, the power to order an inspection twice a year; and returns, founded on that inspection, were regularly made to the Board. But some doubts were entertained whether the powers given by the Act of Parliament to the Board of Trade applied to all steamers; and it would probably be necessary to apply to Parliament for further powers during the present Session.