§ MR. PUGHasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he has now learnt the circumstances at- 732 tending the loss of life by drowning at Scarborough on Thursday last; and, if he can state whether it is the practice or not of the local authorities of inland and seaside watering-places to provide watchmen, boats, or life-saving apparatus for the safety of bathers during the bathing season?
§ MR. DODSONSir, what I have learnt in reference to this accident is that the two unfortunate men who lost their lives were bathing early, at 7 A.M., in a rocky spot not used for bathing, and in contravention of the local bye-laws, under which they rendered themselves liable to a penalty for their act. I am unable to say how far it is or is not the practice of local authorities at inland or seaside watering-places to provide such appliances as those referred to in the Question; but, although no complaints of neglect of precautions have reached me, the law in relation to this subject is such as I stated the other day. As regards the town, however, where the lamentable accident in question occurred, I am informed that a boat is kept in readiness during the bathing hours; that a watchman, who is an experienced swimmer, superintends the boats and bathing-machines; and that a house of recovery is provided for persons who may have suffered from immersion. Moreover, the proprietors of bathing-machines are, under the bye-laws, required to keep life-buoys, cork-jackets, and lines ready for use, and I am assured that these regulations are stringently enforced.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked whether the right hon. Gentleman had received any information about the child drowned in two feet of water in Kensington Gardens in the presence of 50 people, and whether there was any provision for life-saving apparatus?
§ MR. DODSONreplied, that he had no information on the subject.