§ MR. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade, If, since the question was last asked, he has given any attention to the subject of Ocean Roads, or if he will do so during the Recess, with the view of endeavouring, in concert with other Governments, to establish certain sailing tracks to reduce the risk of collision at sea?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYSir, the subject of ocean roads has long been under the careful consideration of the Board of Trade; but it is found very difficult and not desirable to fix a compulsory rule. In most trades, and in the Atlantic particularly, the route is necessarily affected by the season. Ocean roads are not so important as roads in more confined waters, as the English and Irish Channels; and the ocean route adopted by the Cunard Company ceases to be of use at the two extremeties, where most needed. The subject is surrounded with difficulties, and the Board of Trade do not as yet see their way to recommending legislation on it. The 1152 North Atlantic Steam Traffic Conference last March deprecated any compulsory rule. The late Admiral Fitzroy thought it impossible for sailing vessels. A Bill has been introduced on the subject in Congress, not by the Government—but nothing has been enacted. Inquiries are being made, and communications have passed with other countries on the subject.