MR. WILSON (for Mr. MAC IVER)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is true that loss of life from the foundering of steamers in the Bay of Biscay during the few months since legislation relating to the marking 1708 of a load line has been in force shows a marked diminution, as compared with any corresponding period in previous years?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYI have Returns for the half-year which has elapsed since the adoption of the load line, and Returns for the corresponding period of the preceding year, in relation to disasters happening in the Bay of Biscay. From November 1, 1874, till February 28, 1875, six steamers were lost in the Bay of Biscay, involving the loss of 175 lives; from November 1, 1875, when the use of the owner's load line was begun, till February 29 of this year, two steamers were lost in the Bay of Biscay, involving a loss of 26 lives. I have good reason to believe that the use of the load line has materially contributed to this gratifying diminution in the loss of life and property at sea.