§ MR. GOURLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, If his attention has been called to a letter, which recently appeared in the "Times," from Mr. John Burns (Messrs. Cunard and Co.), of Glasgow, in which it is stated that a draft Bill, emanating from the Board of Trade, has been submitted to the consideration of the shipping interest throughout the Country, the object of which is to establish a Shipping Council to assist the Board of Trade in making new rules for the prevention of loss of life and property at sea, and in the carrying out of the rules already in existence; if it is his intention to introduce such a Bill; and, whether the constitution of the proposed Council is to be centralised, or otherwise, in its authority?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINSir, I have seen the letter from Mr. John Burns, and it is true that the heads of a Bill, having for its object the establishment of a Shipping Council, have been submitted by my direction to the Representatives of the shipping interest for their suggestions and criticisms, and whenever the state of Public Business 298 permits I shall be glad to introduce such a Bill. At present, however, it cannot be considered that the details of the measure are finally settled.