§ MR. FINLAY (Inverness, &c.)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether he has ascertained that there is serious dissatisfaction with the limited scope of the inquiry to be conducted by 1663 the Select Committee on Loss of Life at Sea; and, whether that scope will be extended to include inquiry into loss of life and property cause by collision, and the prevention of such loss?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)In answer to my hon. Friend, I have to say that the Reference to the Select Committee has been enlarged, and now includes almost everything which is not within the scope of the Royal Commission to inquire into Loss of Life at Sea. The question of collisions involves international considerations as to possible modifications of the Rule of the Road at Sea. The advantages which might accrue from any such alterations would have to be carefully weighed against the possible disadvantage of changing Rules which are well known and adopted by all maritime countries, and by seamen in all parts of the world.