§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked the Secretary to the Board of 18 Trade, Whether he has noticed a case in which the owner of a steam launch on the Thames was fined on the prosecution of the Board of Trade, because he took friends on his launch without having a passengers' certificate; and, whether it is in the contemplation of the Board of Trade to fine all owners of launches who take friends on board of them, without having a passengers' certificate?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)I have noticed the prosecution referred to, which was in the case of a steam launch reported to the Board of Trade as plying for hire and having 40 passengers on board. This prosecution was instituted under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, with which, in the interests of public safety, it is the duty of the Board of Trade to secure compliance. It has, however, no bearing on the case referred to in the second part of the hon. Member's Question.