§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)(for Lord HENRY BRUCE) (Wilts, Chippenham) asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been directed to the alarming explosion on board a petroleum vessel in Calais Harbour last month endangering life and property; and, if he can give an assurance to the House that the Regulations for such traffic in the Port of London and throughout the United Kingdom are such as to minimize a similar risk occurring therein?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)(who replied) said: The Home Office Authorities are now engaged in collecting information relative to this accident. As regards the prevention of similar accidents in this country, statutory powers already exist enabling Harbour Authorities to insist on valuable precautions; but it is desirable that these powers should be strengthened by further legislation. I have accordingly prepared a Bill for this purpose, which it is my desire and intention to introduce at as early a period as possible.