§ MR. A. SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been called to the recent great loss of life at sea from boats engaged in the herring fishery, caused by the unprotected state of their decks; and, whether, in view of this continued and increasing loss of life, the Government will take steps to secure that reasonable protection shall be extended by owners of fishing boats to those in their employment?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The attention of the Board of Trade has 733 not been called to any recent great loss of life at sea from boats employed in the herring fishery caused by the unprotected state of their decks. The loss of life from the cause named, and in the trade named, are this year very few. As regards loss of life from fishing boats other than drifters, the case has been considered by the Board of Trade; and I may refer the hon. Member to Sections 8 and 10 of the Fishing Boats Act, 1887; and, further, I have reason to believe and hope that the owners of fishing smacks will take measures for reducing the chances of accident.