§ MR. GOURLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, What measures he has in contemplation for the better security of life and property in the navigation of the Thames and other large rivers; and, whether it is his intention to give effect to any and which of the changes suggested by the Commissioners' Court of Inquiry respecting the collision between the steamers "Princess Alice" and "Bywell Castle?"
§ VISCOUNT SANDONSir, we are giving our most careful attention to the whole question of the traffic regulations as to the navigation of the Thames, which is in a totally different position from any other river as to the authorities which are responsible for its management and as to the conditions of 744 its traffic. I have referred the Report of the Wreck Commissioner's Court to the very able Committee which I appointed during the autumn to consider the Thames traffic regulations. Until the final Report of that Committee is received, and we have had the opportunity of considering it, together with other information which throws light upon the subject, it is not possible for me to say what course the Government will propose to take next year. We have laid upon the Table of the House the evidence which this Committee has already taken, with the view of bringing before Parliament the points which have been already raised, and of thus enabling other evidence to be offered to the Committee, if in any quarter there should be a desire to do so. I shall present to Parliament all additional evidence, as well as the Committee's Report, on this important subject.