§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if the foreign vessels carrying passengers across the English Channel are frequently inspected by the Board of Trade as to their seaworthiness and suitability for passenger service; and in such case, if he can say when the steamships France and Prince, plying between Dover and Calais, were built, and last overhauled by a British surveyor?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideThe Board of Trade have no power to inspect foreign vessels as to their unseaworthiness or suitability for passenger service, unless they carry passengers between places in the United Kingdom—or come under the Passenger Acts. These French cross channel steamers do not carry passengers between places in the United Kingdom, and they do not come under the Passenger Acts. They are subject to French Regulations, as British ships engaged in the same traffic are subject to British Regulations.
§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENTCan the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to the steamships named?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI cannot give any information as to ships not inspected by the Board of Trade.