MR. WILSONasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether, in anticipation of the extra demand for screw steamers for carrying grain during the coming winter, in consequence of the bad harvest prospect in this country, the Government would bring in a short Bill this Session for rendering it necessary for all steamers constructed with a double bottom for water ballast to have their stability tested, and a certificate given allowing them, if found safe, to carry grain or seed cargoes; also that no steamer or sailing ships be allowed to carry grain or seed without proper and efficient protection and precautions be provided by compartments and shifting boards, and when necessary a portion of the grain or seed be carried in bags; also that owners of steamers and sailing ships be required to fill up and return to the Board of Trade a form stating the maximum depth to which they propose to load their vessels; and, also that the attention of the Board of Trade surveyors be specially directed to seeing that steamers' engine and boiler and bunker space openings are efficiently protected from the sea, and that they 92 have substantial and thoroughly efficient steering gear?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYSir, the Government have no intention of introducing a Bill drafted according to the terms of the Question put to me by the hon. Gentleman.