HC Deb 01 August 1882 vol 273 cc371-2
MR. BIRKBECK

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been called to the disastrous collision off Dungeness on the morning of the 22nd July, when the schooner yacht "May Fly" was run down in broad daylight by the S. S. "Valhalla," of West Hartlepool, bound to Genoa, four of the yacht's crew being drowned; and, whether, in consequence of the general belief that there was no watch on board the "Valhalla," and her captain having continued on his voyage to Genoa instead of going into Dart-mouth, as he stated to the survivors he would do, special steps will be taken that the Board of Trade inquiry should not be evaded?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to this collision, and an inquiry into it has been ordered in due course, and will be held as soon as the Valhalla returns to this country.