§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the frequency of passenger steamboat racing on the Thames between London and the Nore; and whether he will take steps to stop the practice?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThe attention of the Board of Trade has been called to the alleged frequency of the dangerous practice referred to. I understand that several prosecutions have been instituted in the matter by the Thames Conser- 1565 vancy, and that convictions have been obtained and fines inflicted. In one instance I have directed an inquiry by the London Local Marine Board; and if the steps now being taken prove insufficient to check a practice the danger of which I fully admit, I shall be prepared to consider the expediency of recourse to other provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts in order to put a stop to it.