HC Deb 14 March 1893 vol 10 cc28-9
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the mail steamer Lochiel left Strome Ferry on the afternoon of the 6th instant, with mails and passengers for Stornoway; that soon after starting an accident occurred to the machinery which created considerable delay in the delivery of the mails and caused serious danger to the lives of the passengers and crew; and whether, in view of the fact that there have been other mishaps of a similar nature, the officers of the Board of Trade will use greater diligence in inspecting steamers engaged in the mail service on this route?

MR. MUNDELLA

No report has yet been received in the Department of the casualty in question, but I have telegraphed for full particulars. The Board of Trade have nothing to do with the mail service. The inspection of steamships on the route referred to is conducted on the same principles as the inspection of steamships on all other routes.