§ MR. MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a Return of the number of collisions on the River Thames, and the number of lives lost therefrom, during the last five years; and what steps the Government propose taking to lessen the number of these catastrophies?
§ MR. MUNDELLAIf the hon. Member will move for a Return of the number of collisions on the River Thames, and the number of lives lost therefrom, it shall be prepared and laid upon the Table without delay. The navigation of the river is primarily under the control of the Conservancy; but, as I have stated on previous occasions, the Board of Trade are fully alive to the difficulties attending such navigation, and, in conjunction with the Conservancy, are adopting all possible means to secure the public safety.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has not received representations from Thames Pilots employed under the Conservancy Board to the effect that the new system of lights is likely to cause an increased number of collisions in the Thames?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThat does not arise out of the question on the Paper.