§ MR. HENDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade, If his attention has been called to an alleged case of overcrowding on board the steam tug "Renown," at Broughty Ferry on Tay, on Sunday 8th instant, whereby, the newspaper reports state, several hundred passengers were for a considerable time in most imminent danger, and that large numbers of them jumped overboard, when, on leaving the pier, the steamer appeared about to capsize; and, if he will state what means are taken to prevent river steamers taking on board passengers largely in excess of the number which their Board of Trade certificate permits; and also on whom rests the responsibility of investigating such cases as the one in question, and of prosecuting, if the facts are as stated?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINSir, I have received communications from the Dundee Magistrates of Police, the Procurator Fiscal, and the owner of the steam tug Renown, with reference to the overcrowding of that vessel on Sunday, the 8th instant. From the information which I have obtained, it would appear that the statement in the newspapers that a large number of passengers jumped overboard is calculated to mislead. The accounts furnished to the Board of Trade state that when the steamer gave a lurch many of the passengers jumped from the bridge of the vessel on to the quay. I have little doubt that the tug was taking on board passengers considerably in excess of the number which the Board of Trade certificate authorizes it to carry. This is, however, a matter for investigation, and, if necessary, for prosecution by the local police authorities, and not by the Board of Trade; and the owner or master in charge would, on conviction, be liable to a penalty of £20, and 5s. for every passenger over the specified number.