§ MR. E. J. REED (for MR. PLIMSOLL)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether, seeing that no provision is made in the Unseaworthy Ships Bill for prohibiting deck cargoes during the 852 next twelve months, he will endeavour, through the Foreign Office, to induce Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, and other exporting countries to prevent the loading of ships with deck cargoes?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYSir, assuming it to be possible, which it probably is not, for the Governments of the countries referred to to legislate between this time and next winter, it would scarcely become this Government to suggest to them the legislation they should adopt. The suggestion of such legislation, if confined to British ships, would in effect be to ask those countries to impose on British shipping restrictions which they do not impose on their own. If not so confined, it would amount to an interference with the municipal law of those countries which could scarcely be justified. I, however, hope and believe foreign countries are taking steps in co-operation with this country for security against the improper loading of ships.