HC Deb 16 February 1819 vol 39 cc441-2

Sir J. Newport moved for leave to bring in a bill for better securing of the lives of seamen and passengers wrecked or stranded, or in danger thereof. He observed, that although there were various laws for the recompence of those who saved the cargoes of vessels, there were none for the recompence of those who saved the lives of the seamen and passengers. The consequence was, that the preservation of the latter was frequently postponed to the preservation of the former. His object, in the bill which he now proposed, was, in those cases in which the cargo was saved, to make the recompense for saving the lives of the seamen and passengers, a lien on the cargo, in the light of a salvage, which the parties should have a right to claim; and in those cases in which the cargo was not saved, to provide a moderate recompence for the same purpose out of the public purse. He also wished to incorporate a provision in the bill for the general establishment on the coast of life boats. To the principle of the measure he apprehended there could be no objection. Whether or not he could satisfy the House with respect to the details, would remain to be ascertained. He trusted, however, that as the subject was one so interesting to humanity, the House would allow him to bring in the bill.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

could not imagine that any objection could be raised against a principle equally consonant with humanity and justice. In arranging the details of the measure, there might perhaps arise difficulties, which be should meet with every disposition to remove or surmount.

Mr. Davies Gilbert

said, that the object of the bill was one highly to be approved of. He had himself brought forward a measure somewhat similar, in the last parliament, and he was glad to see the subject in hands much more able, and much more likely to bring it to a successful issue.

Sir John Newport

said, that all he contended for was, the principle of the bill: objections might be made to the detail, but he hoped his bill would not be involved in one of a more complicated nature, which had been formerly introduced into the House.

Leave was given to bring in the bill.