MR:. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if it is true that he has again postponed for several months the enforcement of the Regulations drawn under the Saving of Life at Sea Act of 1888 by a Committee of Experts; and in such case, what is the reason for the further delay, having regard to the three years which have nearly elapsed since the Select Committee reported the total inadequacy of present arrangements for the safety of passengers or sailors, and to the fact that the requirements of the Act as to the provision of life-saving gear have long been in force in the United States and elsewhere?
§ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.The operation of the Rules drawn under the Saving of Life at Sea Act of 1888 by a Committee of Experts has been postponed until the 1st of November next at the request of the Committee of Experts which framed them, and which was appointed under the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Act, 1888. The ground upon which the postponement was recommended was the necessity for carefully re-considering the Rules as affecting vessels in the short-sea and coasting services. Some other points more generally affecting the registration of the Rules are also under the consideration of the Committee.
§ MR. H. VINCENTWill the Rules be laid on the Table before they are finally adopted?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHI believe so.