§ GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOURasked the President of the Board of Trade, If the attention of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade has been drawn, by the editor of the "British Merchant Service Journal," in a letter dated 12th February 1883, to the condition and nature of repairs being made to certain steam vessels now in the Port of London; and, if so, what steps, if any, have been taken to ensure that these vessels, which have been specially selected by the Admiralty for the transport of troops, shall not proceed to sea until they have been made thoroughly seaworthy?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINThe attention of the Department was drawn by the editor of The British Merchant Service Journal to the condition of certain steam vessels now in the Port of London. I have also to say that the matter was previously under the consideration of the Surveyor of the Board of Trade and of the Department; and I have now to assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the vessels in question will not be permitted to leave, either with passengers or without, until such repairs have been 1156 made as will render them perfectly seaworthy.