§ MR. MUNTZasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it has been brought to his notice that another steamer the "Kenilworth," has struck on a sunken rock not noted in the Admiralty Charts, in the Straits of Magellan, and that this is the third steamer which has had similar mishap in the last twelve months; and, whether it would not be desirable, considering that these dangerous Straits are now the highway for steamers to the west coast of South America, to have a thorough re-survey of them and the entrances as early as possible?
§ MR. GOSCHENThe only knowledge, Sir, we have of the Kenilworth having struck on a sunken rock in the Straits of Magellan is from a statement to that effect in a newspaper; but whether the rock was shown on the chart, or whether the Admiralty chart was in use we have no knowledge. We have no report of any other merchant vessels having struck in the Straits of Magellan during the time specified. The Straits of Magellan have been surveyed within a very recent period in anticipation of the increased traffic through them, and it is believed that all the dangers which exist are shown in the charts, although it may be possible that there are still some undiscovered. The most perfect charts will not always prevent accidents.