COLONEL WILLIAMSsaid, he wished to ask the President of the Board of Trade, When the Report of the loss of the ship London will be laid upon the table of the House; whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to take any steps for the better regulation of Passenger Ships generally, and the introduction of more stringent enactments as to their equipment, cargo, and crew; and whether some restraints should not be put on the departure of such Vessels under circumstances that threaten danger?
§ MR. MILNER GIBSONSir, the Report relating to the loss of the London shall be laid on the table immediately. The London, as to her construction and equipments, had been inspected and passed as a good ship by three sets of surveyors—namely, Board of Trade surveyors, Emigration surveyors, and Lloyd's surveyors. The Emigration surveyors exercised a control over her departure till the last moment before her sailing. It is not the intention of the Government, as at present advised, to propose any Bill containing more stringent enactments respecting the equipment, cargo, or crews of passenger ships.