HC Deb 17 February 1893 vol 8 cc1698-9
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask time President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that serious objections are entertained by practical seamen and the shipping trade generally to the adoption of the new Rules of the Road at Sea, recommended at the Washington International Maritime Conference; whether, in view of the statement made by Sir Henry Calcraft, in his letter of the 15th July, 1892, to the Admiralty, that the Board of Trade would lay these regulations before Parliament and would give effect to them, should no objections be raised which alter the views of Her Majesty's Government, he will afford any facilities for the raising of such objections either in this House or by seamen and shipowners in general; and whether he proposes, in that or in any other way, to give effect to the opinion of Mr. William Watson, a member of the Committee appointed to consider the alterations in the Rules, that Under no circumstances should any such changes, as are now proposed, be made in them until a full opportunity has first been given to the shipping trade of this country to express an opinion on the subject.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

I am aware that certain objections have been raised by some Shipowners Societies. These objections were carefully considered by the Rule of the Road Committee, and the views of that Committee were laid before Parliament by my Predecessor in 1891. I have already expressed my readiness to receive any observations on the subject.