HC Deb 23 March 1875 vol 223 cc228-9
DR. CAMERON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been directed to the serious loss of life occurring in cases of the shipwreck of coasting vessels through the inadequacy of their supply of boats; whether the Board of Trade have had brought before them any form of boat by the general adoption of which this loss of life might be reduced to a minimum; and, whether they purpose taking any steps to ensure its adoption in future?

SIR CHARLES ADDERLEY

Sir, the attention of the Board of Trade has been directed to the loss of life occurring in small coasting vessels which have foundered. The Board of Trade have had submitted to them a form of raft invented by Mr. Holmes, the adoption of which by small coasting sailing vessels they trust will conduce to saving life.