§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)In the absence of the hon. Member for the Lowestoft Division of Suffolk (Mr. H. S. Foster), I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many accidents to Her Majesty's ships, due to incorrect charts, have happened since 1st January, 1890; and why he proposes to reduce the expenses of the Hydrographical Department (Vote 6, page 73), and spend only two per cent, more upon coast and other surveys?
THE SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH,) Lancashire, Clitheroe(1.) Since January 1, 1890, there have been 30 accidents of more or less importance, referable to incorrect charts, to Her Majesty's ships. Nineteen of these accidents were in British or Colonial waters, and six of them happened to surveying vessels in the course of explorations. (2.) There has been no reduction in the Hydrographical Department. The decrease of cost is entirely due to the retirement of officials whoso places are filled by juniors. (3.) The number of ships and officers employed on surveying duties could not be conveniently increased at present.