§ Acts read; considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE,in moving that the Chairman be directed to move the House that leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Merchant Shipping Acts, explained that the object of the Bill was to strengthen the power and increase the responsibility of the Board of Trade in exercising the functions conferred on them by the Act of 1871 for the purpose of' preventing unseaworthy ships from proceeding to sea. In bringing in the Bill, he had not done it without communicating with the Royal Commission on the whole subject. The Commission was satisfied that this Bill would not anticipate their recommendations. The Bill also contained provisions relating to collisions at sea, the improvement of signals of distress, and other matters.
§ MR. T. E. SMITHsaid, he trusted that by this Bill things would be put on such a footing that further legislation would be unnecessary.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Resolved, That the Chairman be directed to move the House, that leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Merchant Shipping Acts.
§ Resolution reported:—Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. BONHAM-CARTER, Mr. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE, and Mr. ARTHUR PEEL.
§ Bill presented, and read the first time. [Bill 162.]
§ House adjourned at half after One o'clock.