§ CAPTAIN PRICEasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the sufficiency of the boat and life-saving accommodation supplied to emigrant ships sailing from Queenstown and other ports for America and Canada?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINI have made inquiries on the subject of the Question, and I find that the size and number of life-boats and the character of the lifesaving apparatus in emigrant ships are already prescribed by statute. I have no doubt that the provisions of the statute are strictly observed in every case, and I believe that no emigrant ship leaves port until after inspection by an emigrant agent, as well as by a representative of the Board of Trade. As to the sufficiency of the statutory provisions, I can only say that, so far as I am informed, they are sufficient and, in fact, as extensive as would be practicable or desirable in all circumstances.